If you’re engaged and planning a wedding, take some time to think about a prenuptial agreement between you and your future spouse. It may seem complicated, but it’s simple if you meet with an attorney that specializes in family law. Here’s an overview of prenups and why they’re important.

What Is a Prenup?

A prenuptial agreement is a contract drawn up by an engaged couple before the marriage. The contrast lists all of the properties each person owns, any of their individual debts, their assets and incomes, and more.

This agreement ensures that if the couple were to separate in the future, each person in the contract would get to keep their own property and assets. Without a prenup, everything would be distributed between the two.

Why Should You Get One?

When a married couple separates, the situation can become complicated. Having a prenup in place makes the separation process smoother. For instance, a prenuptial agreement can ensure you have the right to your own money instead of having to share it with your former spouse. You’re also protected from taking on any of their personal debts.

If you have a property that you want to leave to your child from another marriage, you can specify this in the document. You can also outline who would get any shared property after a divorce or whether alimony will be paid.

Can a Prenup Be Invalid?

If there was false information included in the prenuptial, or if one spouse failed to include relevant information, the prenup could be deemed invalid. In addition, the document must be a written agreement that occurred before the actual wedding happened.

Both spouses need the opportunity to read it in full, have time to consider it, and receive independent counsel from a family law attorney before signing. One spouse cannot pressure the other into signing, and the terms can’t be considered grossly unfair or unconscionable. If these requirements aren’t met, the prenup could be ruled invalid.

If you need an attorney to help you with a prenuptial agreement, check out Arndt Buswell & Thorn S.C. in Sparta, WI. This full-service firm of industry experts has over 25 years of experience. They value building lasting relationships with their clients and are committed to using their expertise to help them with various legal matters, including family law. For more information, visit their website. Call (608) 269-1200 to talk to an attorney.