High-profile celebrity divorces are often the rule and not the exception when it comes to dramatic settlements and exorbitant payouts. When an individual with a high net worth fails to sign a prenuptial agreement, the settlement can reach millions of dollars.
For most people, prenuptial agreements are simply a way to safeguard their finances in the event of a divorce. While many people see these legal documents as unromantic or tempting fate, they are still important, regardless of your income or financial situation. A prenuptial agreement can save you a significant amount of time and money should your marriage fail somewhere down the road.
At the Elliot Green Law Offices, we can help you devise a comprehensive prenuptial agreement. A Staten Island divorce attorney can meet with you to discuss your situation and craft a reasonable agreement that does not expose you to unnecessary risk.
Call us today at 718-260-8668 to schedule an appointment, and read on for five important tips when drafting a prenuptial agreement:
- Plan ahead
Daily Finance recommends finalizing your prenuptial agreement with your spouse well before your wedding. Experts suggest that you discuss the prenup with your spouse at least six months before you marry.
This ensures that you both have time to look through the terms and review it. It may also be more difficult to enforce a last-minute contract.
- Remove the Emotion
It is important to keep emotions out of the prenup process. Falling in love and getting married is an exciting and emotional experience, and it can influence how you craft the agreement. Consult a lawyer to get impartial and objective feedback on the prenup to make sure you do not succumb to your emotions.
- Be Reasonable yet Firm
The agreement must be reasonable, but you must also be able to enforce it. Experts recommend leaving out fault clauses. Rather, work with a divorce lawyer to include clauses that make it clear what each of you would get in the event of a divorce.
- Set up Amicable Circumstances
Forbes reminds readers that it is important to make sure you draw up and sign your prenuptial agreement in an environment that is free from coercion or duress. While it may be difficult to prove, it is possible a court may disregard a prenuptial agreement if the judge believes the spouse signed it under pressure or without adequate mental capacity.
- Consult a Family Lawyer
It might seem premature to consult a family lawyer before you get married, but it is critical to ensure that your prenuptial agreement is in line with state laws. Marriage and divorce laws differ from state to state, and it is important that you take these differences into account.
At the Elliot Green Law Offices, we can answer your family law questions, including those regarding prenuptial agreements. Call us today at 718-260-8668 to schedule an initial consultation with a Queens family lawyer to discuss your situation.
