Protect Your Relationship with a Prenuptial Agreement
Marriage is an arrangement that couples enter into with positivity, good faith, and the best of intentions. Since June 26, 2015 same sex marriages have been legal throughout the entire United States. Today there are over 490,000 same sex marriages and the state of Florida has seen a sharp rise in marriages since the ban was lifted. Unfortunately, with the joys of marriage comes the risk of divorce. Prenuptial agreements may make couples uncomfortable, but they are one way to help protect your relationship in the event of a divorce. Not arguing over assets is possible if you protect your relationship with a prenuptial agreement.
What are Prenuptial Agreements
A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract between a couple who is preparing to marry. The contract goes over how to divide assets in the event of a divorce or even death. These contracts are a form of financial union that can go hand in hand with the spiritual or legal union of a marriage. Prenuptial agreements take the guesswork out many financial aspects of a relationship creating equality and transparency between a couple that fosters open communication.
Who Needs a Prenuptial Agreement
Not every single situation or marriage requires a prenuptial agreement. They are usually reserved for situations where one spouse has significant financial assets that they want to protect for themselves or other family members. Most people are familiar with prenuptial agreements between couples with an obvious wealth disparity, but they are also used by couples who are marrying after one has purchased a home, stocks, or other potential valuable property. Individuals who come into a marriage owning their own business, or who are obtaining a lucrative degree, may also wish to invest in a prenuptial agreement.
How Prenuptial Agreements Help Relationships
Though most people associated prenuptial agreements with divorce, they are also used as guidelines if a sudden death occurs. Prenuptial agreements can outline how assets are distributed between a spouse, children, and grandchildren. Since same sex marriage is still a fairly new law, statistics on divorce rates are still being researched. While same sex divorces statistics are not well documented, there have been cases of same sex partners being left homeless, penniless, or otherwise destitute after the death of their partners. Having a prenuptial agreement helps to ensure that your partner will be provided for in the event of your death.
Contact a Prenuptial Agreement Attorney
The process of preparing a legally binding prenuptial agreement is not something that should be attempted without assistance. Even though there are forms and resources online, Florida law is constantly evolving especially on matters concerning same sex marriage, divorce, and child custody. Contacting a qualified Florida attorney to is the best way to ensure your prenuptial agreement is prepared correctly to protect you, your children, and your spouse.
Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. is a lawyer with an extensive background in family law. She is able to help you prepare a prenuptial agreement that will suit your individual needs. When you are ready to consult with a professional family law attorney contact the office at 954-945-7591 to schedule an appointment.
Resources:
orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/os-florida-gay-marriage-licenses-20150703-story.html
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.079.html