Pre-Nuptial and Post Nuptial Agreements
There are those who do understand the logical, pragmatic value of pre-nuptial agreements and those who see them as totally out of context. The latter group reasons that a marriage is a partnership across the board. If you don’t want to engage in a community property arrangement, that is your choice, but if you feel that way you shouldn’t get married.
This would make sense to a large extent if all marriages took place between couples with no children and no assets to speak of, but this is simply not the way it is in the United States in the 21st century. Upwards of half of all marriages end in divorce, and three out of every four people who get divorced remarry. There are two thoughts that come to mind with the regard to these remarriages and the value of pre-nuptial agreements. One of them is the fact that anyone who is getting married for the second or third time knows firsthand that divorce is possible. Why not prepare for this possibility with a pre-nup?
The other reason why pre-nuptial agreements makes sense for people who are remarrying involves their children from previous marriages. You don’t know what the future holds and your new spouse has no particular reason to feel any loyalty to your children. Shouldn’t you set aside some personal property via the execution of a pre-nuptial agreement that is intended for your children after your death?
Post nuptial agreements are not as commonly known as pre-nups, but they are very useful instruments that have saved many marriages. There are cases when a couple has serious disagreements about how they should utilize shared financial resources. There can come a time when a partner seeks a divorce simply because he or she feels passionate about being able to make independent financial decisions. The execution of a post nuptial agreement that defines the personal property of each individual can eliminate the root cause of the marital strife at its source.
For legal advice about pre-nuptial and post nuptial agreements contact an Oklahoma City OK family lawyer to arrange for a free consultation.
