Prenups: Not Just for the Rich and Famous
Marriage is a contract, and like any contract, it helps to know the terms and conditions before signing the dotted line. That is where a prenuptial agreement, or a “prenup,” comes in. This document clearly dictates how property will be distributed upon the death of a spouse (in lieu of a will or trust) or the breakup of a marriage.
Unfortunately, these documents have a bad reputation for their association with high profile celebrity divorces. As a recent New York Times column points out, all couples can benefit from the clarity a prenuptial agreement provides. The challenge is negotiating the agreement in a friendly and non-adversarial setting.
At Berenji & Associates, we help couples throughout Los Angeles create prenuptial agreements that protect all parties in the event of a divorce or death. If you would like to discuss this further, call Los Angeles divorce lawyer Hossein Berenji today for a case evaluation. Here are some of the key benefits of drafting these documents for your marriage:
Creating a Sense of Clarity
How many times have you signed a terms and conditions document without reading the fine print? If you are a like most people, this is a common occurrence. Marriage, however, should not be treated the same way as signing up for a music streaming account or some other online subscription. You are legally joining two lives together, and as such, must know all that entails.
By drafting a prenuptial agreement, you are not only reading the terms and conditions, you are actively writing them. By doing so, you can help clarify the following matters:
- The ownership of property between spouses.
- What happens to your house in the event of death or divorce.
- What happens to other important assets, such as businesses, vehicles, and bank accounts in the event of death or divorce.
Contrary to popular belief, this process will not hurt a relationship. Instead, it will help foster understanding and provide clarity about financial matters that few couples have. Prenuptial agreements are an adult, realistic, and honest approach to marriage that can improve a relationship rather than harm it.
Preventing a Long and Drawn-Out Divorce
A long, contested divorce can be ruinous for your finances, family life, and emotional wellbeing. Prenuptial agreements provide an avenue to clear up any issues with the potential to cause conflict later. The division of your assets and spousal support are the primary issues that can be resolved. Though you may not have children, you can also lay the groundwork for understandings on child custody and support.
Seek Qualified Legal Help
While prenuptial agreements can be highly beneficial, a poorly drafted document can serve little use at best and actively harm a potential divorce or breakup at worst. To ensure that you are creating a fair, lasting, and legally sound prenuptial agreement, you need qualified legal help from a lawyer experienced in family law.
The divorce attorneys at Berenji & Associates help couples understand prenuptial agreements and implement them effectively in marriage. Contact us today to schedule a meeting.
Berenji & Associates
9595 Wilshire Blvd Ste 959
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 271-6290