Family law attorneys are in a unique position to see couples at some of their lowest points, their relationship has fizzled out or collapsed, and now both parties are struggling to move forward…or trying to drag the other down with them.
While everyone wants to be a romantic at heart, and lay down trust as the only foundation for a marriage’s success, the truth is, people and circumstances change. When they do, it pays to be prepared and protected.
A strong prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, drafted with the help of a qualified family law attorney, will give you both personal security and long-term visibility, on any eventual end to your marriage.
Who Needs A Prenuptial Or Postnuptial Agreement?
Popular perception places prenuptial agreements in the hands of only the wealthiest of couples, where one partner is afraid of being taken advantage of. The truth, however, is that an ordinary couple can benefit just as much, if not far more, from a well-drafted marriage agreement.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial agreements serve, first and foremost, to provide clarity. By understanding exactly what happens should the marriage end in a divorce (or should one partner pass away) they offer security and stability in some of the most vulnerable and uncertain times of your life.
What Does A Prenuptial Or Postnuptial Agreement Do?
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements, sometimes called marriage contracts, or just marriage agreements, serve to determine, in advance, what happens to certain assets should the marriage come to an end.
While some of these assets may be from before the marriage, these agreements can also include provisions for assets or wealth acquired during the marriage. As each couple is different, so too will be their prenup or postnup, though there are certainly some things that cannot be settled in advance via prenuptial or postnuptial agreement.
Child support, and child custody, most notably, cannot be determined by a pre or post-nuptial agreement. In the eyes of the court, the interest of any children and their future is more important and has to be determined at the time of an eventual divorce or death.
What Is The Difference Between A Prenuptial And Postnuptial Agreement?
The only difference between the two types of marriage agreements is when they are signed by the couple. A prenuptial agreement is signed before getting married, while a postnuptial agreement can be signed at any time by the married couple before they get divorced.
This means that even if you are already married without a prenuptial agreement, or simply wish to change, modify or make a new one, it is not too late to get in touch with an experienced family law attorney near you to get started.
Do I Need A Lawyer To Sign/Draft A Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement?
While you hope a marriage agreement will never need to come into effect, you should always be sure to know exactly what you are signing before doing so. Consulting with qualified and specialized will allow you to be certain you understand the contract.
Furthermore, should you be considering getting one, having a lawyer on your side means being able to securely and transparently design it according to your and your loved one’s wishes, or negotiate in your favor should there be any disagreement.
If you are considering a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement in Annapolis, or anywhere in Maryland, Greenberg Legal Group LLC will proudly put our expertise and personalized attention at your service to make sure your marriage is built on strong foundations of clarity, security, and certainty.
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