PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT

Many couples today are finding prenuptial agreements to be useful before marriage. Such agreements do not, in fact, discourage divorce. In reality, these agreements lift some of the burdens off of the couple and leave the parties free to enjoy their marriage.

Under the law, marriage is considered to be a contract between the marrying couple. The law also considers certain property rights for each individual in the marriage.

A Prenuptial Agreement allows you to decide for yourselves how your property should be handled and can also be used to protect spouses from each other's debts.

These Agreements are especially useful if one or both of you have children from a previous marriage or relationship.

The following are an example of the reasons people prepare and agreement before marriage:

• You have children and/or grandchildren from a previous marriage

• You have assets such as a home, stock or retirement funds

• Own all or part of a business

• You may be receiving an inheritance

• One of you has considerably more income and/or assets than the other • One of you will be supporting the other through college • You have loved ones who need to be taken care of, such as elderly parents

• You have or are pursuing a professional degree or license

• You have certain assets or property that you wish to keep separate during the marriage

You and your intended can negotiate the terms of your own agreement. In fact, it is probably best if the details have been agreed upon before you retain an attorney to actually draft the Agreement. Your agreement should be clear, understandable and valid under the laws of your state.


Written by Becky L. Caruso, Esq.


Becky L. Caruso and Lauren S. Cohen are attorneys practicing in Central New York. Together they have over 19 years experience in all matters of DIVORCE, CHILD CUSTODY, and CHILD SUPPORT

PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS