Postnuptial agreements are a helpful tool for married couples who intend to address financial issues while remaining together. If you are considering drafting a postnuptial agreement, or “postnup”, reach out to a marital agreements attorney for guidance.
In many cases, these agreements could reduce stress in a marriage. A couple could also use a postnup to set the stage for an amicable divorce. No matter your reasoning for drafting a contract, a Junction City postnuptial agreements lawyer could help ensure that your best interests are represented.
Postnuptial agreements are contracts between two married spouses. Unlike prenuptial contracts, postnups occur after a couple is already married. These agreements allow both spouses to protect themselves in the case of a future divorce.
A postmarital contract could provide for a number of agreed-upon terms in the case of a divorce. For example, these written agreements can set out some of the decisions that would ultimately be up to the court to make during a divorce. These could include the amount of alimony or whether certain pieces of property are considered individually owned.
It is important to understand that every couple will have different needs when it comes to a postnuptial agreement. A Junction City attorney could help develop an appropriate contract given the unique circumstances of their marriage.
Postmarital agreements serve many purposes. Some of the most common reasons for pursuing a postnup include:
A spouse could use a postnup to protect the inheritance of a child from a prior relationship. These agreements could help prevent those children from being locked out of any inheritance by determining what percentage of a person’s estate goes to their spouse.
Postnuptial agreements are not just about dividing assets. These tools are also useful for dividing debts as well. In some cases, a large debt could be incurred by a single spouse during the course of the marriage. Under the law, both spouses could be on the hook for that debt following a divorce. A postnuptial contract could ensure that the spouse responsible for the debt will be the one to carry it if the marriage ends.
Sometimes, dividing marital assets involves selling valuable items. With a closely held business, attempting to divide those assets could be enough to cause the business to fold. Determining that a business is not a marital asset could ensure it continues operating into the future.
Sometimes a postmarital contract is used to set the terms of an inevitable divorce. This could be useful for a couple who is determined to divorce but does not want to litigate the issues. Relying on a written agreement could provide a degree of privacy and avoid drawn-out litigation.
An experienced attorney could help a couple in Junction City draft a postnuptial contract that suits their needs. A lawyer could also ensure that the agreement meets the state’s requirements so that it holds up in court.
A postnuptial agreement is a great way to make sure that your assets are protected in a marriage. These contracts can be influential in your marriage, so it is imperative that you seek the counsel of an experienced Junction City postnuptial agreements lawyer before drafting any documents yourself. An attorney can help you reach an agreement that best suits the needs of your family. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.
