Benefits of a Prenuptial Agreement

In many television shows and movies, a prenuptial agreement (also known as a “prenup”) is often presented in a negative context. The premise is usually a scorned spouse who is left with nothing because they agreed to sign a prenup.

Like many legal issues adapted to Hollywood drama, reality is far different. Prenups can be good or bad, depending on the terms of the agreement.

It is important to remember that marriage is a contract between two consenting adults involving financial rights and obligations. A prenuptial agreement can help a couple further define and clarify those rights and obligations.

Many people believe a prenuptial agreement only deals with how assets and liabilities are divided after a divorce. However, it can also be used to:

• Determine who is responsible for premarital debts;
• Distribute estate proceeds and property after death;
• Define premarital assets as either community property and separate property; and
• Define spousal support obligations.

A prenuptial agreement can also help clarify financial responsibilities during the course of the marriage. For example, it can stipulate which spouse is responsible for filing of taxes, paying household expenses, pay education costs, and so forth.

Here are five more reasons to consider a prenuptial agreement: 

Reason No. 1 – You have children from a prior marriage

If you are previously divorced and have children, you may have support obligations. A prenuptial agreement can help protect your assets for the children in the case of a death or divorce.

Reason No. 2 – You have a business

If you are the owner of a business and you wind up getting divorced, there is a chance that your spouse may attempt to claim partial ownership. A prenup can help establish a clear distinction between marital assets and business assets. 

Reason No. 3 – You plan to stop working in order to raise children

If you decide to leave the workforce and raise children, you are obviously giving up current income and hindering potential future earnings. A prenup can ensure that the financial cost of raising children is shared equitably by both parents and that the parent who gives up working will receive financial support if the marriage ends. 

Reason No. 4 – You possess assets that you want to stay in the family

If you are eligible to receive, or currently own, precious family heirlooms and other property, a prenuptial agreement can make sure that these items remain with your family in case of death or divorce. 

Reason No. 5 – You have a large amount of debt

If your spouse has a large debt load from student loans and/or consumer debt (e.g., credit cards), a prenuptial agreement can protect you and the community property from those debts. For example, a prenup can stipulate that the community property from the marriage cannot be seized or liquidated due to failure to service debt brought into the marriage by your spouse.

As you can see, the reason a prenup can actually be beneficial for a marriage is the fact that it forces you and your spouse to communicate about finances and how you want to spend your lives together. 

Speak to an Experienced Houston Family Law Lawyer

The Houston family law lawyers of Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. possess over three decades of litigation and mediation experience. We work tirelessly to represent your best interests in an effective and cost-efficient manner. Contact our office today to learn more.

Resource:

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/FA/htm/FA.4.htm