Written By: Brandy Miller | May 15, 2016 | No Comments
Many couples in Pennsylvania who are considering marriage are wary about the idea of a prenuptial agreement. Some people feel they don’t “need” a prenuptial agreement because they don’t plan on getting divorced or because they don’t feel they have enough assets. Others feel that a prenuptial agreement somehow sets up the idea of divorce or is unromantic.
The reality is that a prenuptial agreement is vital for a growing number of people. A prenuptial agreement protects you in the event of a divorce. It determines how assets will be divided to ensure your assets and your contributions to the marriage are protected.
Do You Need a Prenup?
While not everyone needs a prenuptial agreement, you may want to seek out an attorney to draw one up if any of the following apply to you:
- You and your partner earn more than $100,000 a year or have more than $100,000 in assets.
- You have been previously divorced.
- One of you earns more than the other.
- It is possible you will inherit money or you may make significantly more over the course of your marriage.
- You have a business or own a company.
- You have published a book, own a patent or have any intellectual property.
Keep in mind that any profits, businesses or assets you bring into the marriage during your time together may eventually become part of marital assets during a divorce. This means if your partner stays at home to raise the children and you work to bring in a significant amount of money, your partner will be entitled to part of the assets you worked so hard for.
Protecting Your Future With a Prenuptial Agreement
While many new couples think they will never get divorced, no one has a crystal ball into the future. Protecting yourself, your assets, your children and your future is an important part of planning any wedding. A prenup prepares you for an unforeseen event and offers you peace of mind.
The wealthy already protect themselves with prenuptial agreements. Even if you think your assets are “too small” for this type of agreement, consider what would happen if half of your property were suddenly gone due to divorce. You don’t want this to happen to you. Contact an attorney today to discuss prenuptial and other arrangements you can make to protect both yourself and your spouse.
If you consider a prenuptial agreement unromantic, consider this: Having frank discussions about money before you marry and deciding on finances before the marriage shows an enormous amount of trust in your partner and allows you to make smart decisions together. It is the sign of a healthy, mature relationship, and protecting both of you may be the most loving thing you can do.
If you have questions about prenuptial agreements or would like to draw up a prenup, contact Miller Law Group. Our attorneys have been helping couples in Reading, Berks County, PA with the legal and financial support they need for long and happy unions.