On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Family Law on Tuesday, April 25, 2017.
Lovely images of satin, lace, ribbons, veils, tuxes and chocolate are often evoked when Missouri couples plan their weddings. They may also have long, into-the-night discussions about their future plans and goals, perhaps including how many children they hope to have one day. For some, however, any mention of a prenuptial agreement is thought to be a romance-killer.
Some people mistakenly believe that signing a prenuptial agreement means a marriage is doomed to failure. Others understand the importance of such contracts when it comes protecting non-marital assets and being prepared for any possibility in the future. Everyone likes to think their marriages will last a lifetime; a quick glance at current statistics proves that many do not.
Marriage is a legal contract; it’s therefore quite practical to outline certain obligations and responsibilities, and protect properties or financial accounts owned prior to marriage, before a wedding takes place. Some couples enter into contracts with each other after they’ve already exchanged wedding vows. These are known as postnuptial agreements.
If a soon-to-be spouse in Missouri feels strongly about protecting individual material interests, or specifying who gets what if a divorce or death occurs, a prenuptial agreement or postnuptial contract might be a viable option. To determine which best suits one’s particular needs, a consultation can be requested with an experienced family law attorney. Not only can an attorney clarify the legal ramifications of both types of agreements, he or she can help negotiate the terms and/or review a proposed contract before it is signed. This often helps smooth out wrinkles and prevent stress down the line.
Source: seekingalpha.com, “What Every Woman Should Know About Prenuptial And Postnuptial Agreements“, Russ Thornton, April 18, 2017
