Marital agreements can provide your relationship with a strong foundation and protect your assets in the unfortunate event you decide to divorce. While spouses can draft marital agreements at any point during their union, it is important to discuss these options with a Syracuse marital agreements lawyer as early in a relationship as possible.
It might not be clear what type of agreement is right for a couple, which is why it is helpful to rely on the guidance of seasoned legal counsel. A skilled family law attorney could listen to your needs and advise on which of the following marital agreements are appropriate for your situation.
A couple can draft pre-nuptial agreements before their marriage. These marital agreements set expectations during the union and plan for what will happen in the event the marriage ends. Typically, prenup agreements describe how assets will be shared and separated in a potential divorce. Engaged couples have the opportunity to determine issues like alimony or the division of marital property ahead of time, avoiding the possibility of heated litigation in a contested split.
Pre-nuptial contracts are common when there is a significant difference in wealth between spouses. However, these agreements are useful for any couple regardless of their financial position, as they help identify which assets will be shared between spouses or kept as personal property. A marital agreements attorney could help couples in Syracuse draft a pre-nuptial agreement that addresses the financial concerns of both parties.
Post-nuptial agreements have a lot in common with pre-nuptial agreements. However, instead of signing an agreement prior to the wedding, couples can draft post-nuptial agreements during their union. The issues covered by post-nuptial agreements are the same as pre-nuptial agreements, including plans for spousal support and property division in the event of a divorce.
The concept of signing a marital agreement during a marriage might seem odd, but, like pre-nuptial agreements, this process can provide stability to both spouses and their relationship. In some cases, couples sign post-nuptial agreements because one spouse has accrued significant personal debt and does not want their partner to be responsible. In other situations, these agreements are made to simplify a pending divorce. A Syracuse lawyer could help married couples determine whether to create a post-nuptial marital agreement and explain the requirements for completing this contract.
Religious beliefs or the fear of losing health insurance coverage might complicate the possibility of a divorce. Marital agreements are also useful for spouses whose relationship has changed but who do not want to pursue a legal divorce.
A separation agreement can provide terms for married couples that plan to live apart. These documents address issues of spousal support, child custody, and even property division without forcing a couple to go to divorce Courts. A Syracuse marital agreements attorney could further explain why a couple might consider using a separation agreement and assist with drafting this document.
A marital agreement could be in your best interest whether you are engaged to be married or have had a spouse for many years. These agreements can protect your assets and provide clarity within your relationship moving forward.
When you are considering drafting a marital agreement, you should rely on the guidance of legal counsel to ensure any contracts address your needs and are legally enforceable. Reach out to a Syracuse marital agreements lawyer today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
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