To the bride and groom, marriage is a loving contract between two people who want to spend the rest of their lives together. In the eyes of the law, marriage is also a contract between two people … not about love, but about a variety of financial rights and obligations.
It’s hard to talk about marriage as if it were “business,” but when it comes to creating a prenuptial agreement, that’s exactly the approach you should take. A prenuptial agreement isn’t a well-planned “exit strategy” or evidence of a lack of faith in the relationship. It is simply protection against an unlikely and unforeseen “what if” circumstance … an important “insurance policy” on the legal issues of the marriage contract.
The strategies below are intended to help you easily and painlessly convince your husband- or wife-to-be that a prenuptial agreement is in his/her interest as well as yours.
Discuss the Topic Early
Don’t wait until a week before your wedding to discuss a prenuptial agreement with your intended. Explore the topic early in a relationship, if possible, resolve the issue before you become engaged.
Ask, Don’t Assume
People have all kinds of notions about prenuptial agreements, many of them unfairly colored by the media’s reporting of highly publicized, and often bitter, divorce proceedings. Don’t assume that you and your spouse-to-be are on the same page with this topic; ask.
A Topic for the Head Not the Heart
It’s tough to talk about your loving, committed relationship as if it were a business arrangement. If you and your intended can agree to be logical (rather than emotional) about the preparation of a prenup, you’ll find it much easier.
Ask A Third Party
If your spouse-to-be is hesitant in any way, suggest that he/she consult with a legal professional to explore the benefits.
Tip: You may find it valuable to consult with a legal professional to understand the different kinds of issues that might be covered in a prenup. The better informed you are, the easier it will be for you to explain things to your intended.
Do-it-yourself Prenuptial Agreement
my mate wants to be a contract prenuptial between us, he’s never married but he has a daughter. He is Canadian and I am from Venezuelan so we are getting marry in canada and also we are sign this contract in canada. I am not sure about that but he is hesitate a lot. I would like to have some professional help about that.
Great articles. It should be compulsory for those that are mature. Marriage is a big commitment and no one knows what the future holds. This all coming from a big romantic…..
I’m having a very hard time accepting even the thought of a Pre-nup. I think LOVE should not be based on finances but on trust and understanding. I get very angry and hurt when we bring up the subject. i feel he has no confidance in our relationship, help’
Vineta,
Grow up! Marriage is just not about love, its a social contract. If you dont understand that maybe you shouldnt get married anyhow.
yeah Vineta… if you loved him so much you wouldn’t care.. sign the prenup, love-bird!
Be nice vineta! It is up to her! Don’t worry, I know exactly how you feel. Im going through it also. But trust your heart and listen to what you feel most confident with doing.
I meant to say: be nice “to” vineta!
I agreed with this point that during marriage the promises and agreements keep dishonesty and unfaith away in between these two couples in order to make them more trustable, faithful and honest for each other.
For me, the main reason to request a pre nup is to protect the couple from each party’s individual debt. I don’t want my partner’s debt to affect me and vice versa. Also, I like the fact about individual accounts (checking, saving, IRA) should be kept separate. However, when an account is joint, it will be joint.
I agree with vineta.. Me wife n I have been together 7 years no prenup and we both agree that it is totally unessassery marriage is for life . All money’s are shared all accounts are shared and all
It is protection against an unlikely “what if” circumstance … In one way or another, this is more inclined to what I also believe and practice.