When tying the knot, there’s nothing wrong with assuming that you’ll remain married for the rest of your life. And while that’s your goal, you still need to plan for the unexpected. And in this case, that often means divorce.
A prenuptial agreement will provide you and your soon-to-be spouse with peace of mind. For example, if you’re both bringing large amounts of debt into the marriage, your agreement can ensure that you’re only responsible for your own in the event of a divorce.
Before you can take advantage of the benefits of a prenuptial agreement, you must first discuss this with your partner and work through the details. And that’s the difficult part, as you don’t want to rock the boat during such an exciting time in your life.
If you decide to ask for a prenuptial agreement, here are three tips for doing so:
- Talk about the benefits to both individuals: Avoid a situation in which it looks like you’re the only person benefiting from a prenuptial agreement. Explain to your spouse that it’s good for the both of you by touching on the benefits.
- Be honest about your fears: Just because you ask for a prenuptial agreement doesn’t mean you’re already preparing for divorce. It simply means you’re preparing for anything that could happen in the future. It’s the smart and responsible thing to do. Share your fears with your partner, as this gives them a better idea of why you want to create a prenuptial agreement.
- Give yourself plenty of time: Don’t assume you can figure everything out within a matter of days. Even if you can, you still have to consult with an attorney to make everything legal. You want to leave yourself as much time as possible, preferably several months. This allows you to work through the process without either of you rushing.
If a prenuptial agreement is weighing on your mind, discuss the possibility with your partner and see where it takes you. Should you both agree that it’s in your best interest, decide how to move forward from that point. Soon enough, you’ll have a legally binding prenuptial agreement that gives you both comfort as you inch toward your wedding day.
