Why Get a Prenuptial Agreement?

Today everyone has heard of prenuptial agreements. Celebrities, such as professional athletes, film stars, and other media darlings, as well as the ultra-rich intent on preserving their fortunes, are most associated with these legal agreements. Prenups, as they are commonly called, are written contracts signed by those about to be married, which determine how their property and assets will be handled if their marriage ends in divorce or death. In California, these agreements are governed by the California Uniform Premarital Act, which allows that almost any financial matter, excepting those involving children, can be agreed upon in such a contract.

Does everyone need a prenuptial agreement? Why and when should you consider one? Certain factors may indicate that such an agreement may be a good idea and in your best interests, considering the fact that almost half of all marriages end in divorce. Some of these factors include one spouse who brings more assets into the marriage than the other, such as a home, substantial savings, a large stock portfolio or other investments, or retirement funds. Similarly, those who own a business, have children or grandchildren from a previous marriage or elderly parents whom they wish to protect financially, or those who expect to receive an inheritance may want such an agreement to safeguard these areas. Other situations which could give rise to a prenuptial agreement include one spouse who will be financing the other through college, an advanced degree, or professional training program, one spouse who has a significant debt load, or a spouse who has an estate plan in place which needs to be protected.

A Riverside Divorce Lawyer Can Help

If you are considering a prenuptial agreement in and around Riverside, California, you may have many questions about how such contracts work and how to begin. At the family law firm of Hanson, Gorian & Bradford, you can discuss the matter with a Riverside divorce attorney well-versed in all of the legal aspects of such an agreement. The firm has helped innumerable clients draft customized agreements that meet their individual needs. Having such an agreement in place can help you avoid the aggravation and expense of a contested divorce in the future. Learn more about how you can benefit from a California premarital agreement by consulting with one of the firm’s experienced attorneys today.

Contact a Riverside prenuptial agreement attorney at the firm today.