When a person is about to get married and hears the words ‘premarital agreement,’ it often strikes fear in their hearts. However, they should not. There are many benefits that come with premarital agreements, and these extend to both spouses. Below are just four of the main advantages that anyone about to get married will reap from a premarital agreement.
Open the Lines of Communication
A couple has to talk about a lot before they get married. Of course they have to establish that they both want the same things out of life, such as children and where they will live. Financial experts have also always advised that couples should discuss their finances before getting married. It is important that both partners in the relationship understand the assets and debts the other partner is bringing into the marriage so both people can understand what they are entering into. A premarital agreement can help open these lines of communication and allow the couple to enter the marriage honestly and secure about the plan they have created.
Save Time and Money
Divorces are often lengthy and expensive. This is because the couple or a judge must make final decisions on a number of different terms, such as the division of property. A premarital agreement can help speed the process along because the couple has already made plans for many of these terms and so, it really is just a matter of following the premarital agreement.
Protect Property
Of course, a premarital agreement outlines which property a spouse will keep in the event that the couple gets a divorce. This is the main point of a premarital agreement for many people. When an agreement is enforced during property division proceedings, it takes the control away from the judge and places it back in the couple’s hands. Without a premarital agreement, a judge will make the decision on property division and the couple will have very little say in the matter.
Reduce Conflict
Divorce is extremely difficult for many reasons. The first is the obvious emotional upheaval that a divorce causes for both spouses. The second is that some divorces do involve a long courtroom battle filled with conflict. This conflict is exhausting for both spouses and makes the divorce process even more challenging. A premarital agreement will eliminate that conflict because there is nothing to argue over. Each spouse has already agreed to the terms within the agreement and so, there is no conflict.
Getting Married? Call Our Florida Family Lawyers First
If you are about to get married, it is important that you draft a premarital agreement first. Although engaged couples often do not want to think about divorce prior to their wedding, our Tampa family law attorneys can show you there is much more to a premarital agreement than that. We can help you open the lines of communication so you and your partner can enter into an agreement that is fair for both parties. To learn more about premarital agreements, call us today at (813) 672-1900 to schedule your free consultation. Hablamos español!
Resource:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.079.html
