A prenuptial agreement is not just for people who believe that their marriage is going to end in divorce. Instead, a prenuptial agreement is a way to get around your state’s laws regarding marriage and finances. Yes, your agreement will come into effect if you get divorced, but a well-written prenuptial agreement is useful in other situations too.  

If you are on the fence about whether to sign a prenuptial agreement, the family law attorneys at the Law Offices of Conti & Levy in Torrington, CT, want you to consider these three reasons why a prenup might be right for you.

1. To Protect Your Money, Assets & Investments

If your marriage ends in divorce, there’s a good chance the judge will split more than just your money right down the middle. For example, if you have your own business, the judge could give your spouse 50% control of that business even if you started it before the marriage. With the help of an attorney, a prenup can protect everything you own or just a few things you really care about.

2. To Avoid Taking On Your Spouse’s Debt

If your fiancée has substantially more debt that you, getting married may mean taking on that debt as your own. Similarly, if your spouse accumulates debt during your marriage without your knowledge, you’ll be on the hook for the bill. A prenuptial agreement can prevent this.

3. To Control How Your Property Is Distributed After Your Death

Even if you write your spouse out of your will, every state has laws that leave the bulk of an estate to the surviving spouse. This is especially problematic if you have children from a prior relationship. A prenuptial agreement allows you to protect your children’s inheritance rights and maintain control over how your property will be distributed when you die.  

In short, a prenup doesn’t mean you can’t leave any money for your spouse. A prenup is simply a tool that lets you and your spouse control your finances rather than abiding by out-of-date state laws. To speak with a family law attorney about a prenuptial agreement, contact the Law Offices of Conti & Levy at (860) 482-4451, or visit their website.