Prenup Attorney in Jacksonville
Do I Need a Prenuptial Agreement?
Prior to divorce, two people may be questioning whether they should truly get married or not, and whether their marriage will last a lifetime. When these two people decide to make this life-changing decision, they often desire a back-up plan that they can fall back on if their marriage fails.
Marriage is not a commitment that should be entered into without taking into consideration all legal elements involved. It is important to fully understand the marriage contract prior to signing. The marriage contract is a commitment and therefore, there are heavy consequences if divorce occurs.
Purpose of Obtaining a Prenup in Jacksonville, FL
At Charles E. Willmott, P.A., I can help you establish a prenuptial agreement that can protect your income, assets, and property in the case of a divorce. They are especially important in high net worth divorce cases because there is much at stake. These agreements protect those who do not wish to be taken advantage of by the other party. They also are designed to modify terms of a marriage contract in case the marriage does not work. Within the prenuptial agreement, it is important to discuss alimony, so that you are not forced to support an individual who has committed adultery.
Prenuptial vs. Postnuptial Agreements in Florida
Typically, a prenuptial agreement is drafted and signed by both parties prior to the wedding. The purpose of a prenup is to ensure that each spouse's interests are be protected in the event of a future divorce—namely the financial assets that they are bringing to the marriage. In essence, a postnuptial agreement can be utilized to accomplish the very same goals, but the document is drafted and signed after the couple is already married.
Is Your Prenuptial Agreement Valid?
Prenups can be a great tool for couples to use before getting married. A prenuptial agreement can help you establish each other’s financial rights in the event of a divorce. This includes protecting a family business or securing your personal assets. However, prenups must be done right to be valid.
Let us look at the top 3 reasons why a prenuptial agreement might be invalid:
1. The agreement was not written by the couple or notarized by an attorney.
2. Incomplete documents – both parties must sign the agreement before the wedding. If your spouse-to-be rushes you to sign without reading the documents thoroughly, the petition will be declared invalid as you do not understand the terms or rights. The couple should take the time to read the components carefully.
3. The agreement was not consensual – If one or both parties were pressured into a prenuptial agreement, whether it be from a family member, your spouse’s lawyer, or your spouse.
Now that you have a better idea of what a prenuptial agreement is and how it can protect your rights, consult with our prenuptial agreement lawyer today.
Proposing the Agreement to Your Loved One
Many people are opposed to the idea of a prenuptial agreement and bringing up the topic could lead to anger, mistrust, and dispute. Some feel that it is taking a pessimistic approach to marriage, but if you feel the need to have a prenuptial agreement, there are ways to develop mutual agreement.
It is important to discuss the situation early on in the engagement while openly discussing the topic and your reasons for wanting the agreement. It is important to point out the benefits of a premarital agreement to your future spouse. As a seasoned divorce attorney, I have the experience and ability to help you draft an effective agreement that can work for both parties.
Contact my firm's Jacksonville prenup lawyer at the firm today to learn more about how I can help!