Many times, when a couple decides to get married, one party or another wants to work out a prenuptial agreement but just doesn’t know how to approach the issue in conversation. This is a normal concern, and many people have legitimate, if misguided, objections to prenuptial agreements. For partners and fiancees who want a prenuptial agreement while their counterpart has reservations, it is important to understand how to frame a discussion of the issues at hand.
If you find yourself in this unenviable position, it is often wise to start by seeking to understand your partner’s objections. Many people perceive prenuptial agreements as something a person would only use if he or she planned on the marriage failing, for instance. This a reasonable fear in the sense that some people do use prenuptial agreements that way, but it is far from the only reason to consider one.
You may find it useful to bring up a prenuptial agreement as part of a larger conversation about planning for a long future together and aligning your expectations to allow the marriage to flourish without unnecessary conflicts. Creating a prenuptial agreement with partner is a very useful way to approach difficult conversations about financial behavior or assets and income before and after marriage. Beginning your marriage with an in-depth understanding how the other person thinks about money and resources or how they approach debt may help you avoid most conflicts surrounding finances.
Similarly, you can use a prenuptial agreement to protect a spouse from your debt, and vice versa. These protections do not depend on divorce, but begin immediately. If one of you owns a business, or if you plan to start a business, you want to make sure that the business is not place a strain on the relationship, and that the business does not depend on the relationship. You can keep those things legally protected separately with a prenuptial agreement, protecting both parties.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help if you believe that you are ready to have the prenuptial agreement conversation with the person you love and can’t wait to marry.
Source: Brides.com, “Here’s How to Start That Prenup Conversation,” Jaimie Mackey, accessed Nov. 24, 2017