How do I talk to my fiancé or significant other about drawing up a prenuptial agreement?
“First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak”
Epictetus
Before you talk to your fiancé about whether or not to get a prenup, talk to a lawyer to determine if a prenup agreement is right for you. Learn more about what provisions are typically included in a prenuptial agreement and what items are not typically included.
How do I go about getting the discussion started?
“I’ll show you mine, if you show me yours”.
The most logical way is to start a dialogue about your respective financial assets and income. Share your current financial situation to get the ball rolling. Next, start talking about your five year or longer-term financial goals. If you have a financial advisor, you might mention seeing the advisor together to set up joint financial goals and also getting a prenup to set up separate financial goals.
How long does it take to get a prenuptial agreement?
The length of time it takes to finalize a prenuptial agreement depends on the individuals involved in the process. In order for a prenup to be valid in Washington, there are pretty stringent requirements. It’s important to get in to see a lawyer early because it’s best to finalize your prenup agreement around 60 to 90 days before your wedding.
Can getting a prenuptial agreement help prevent a divorce?
Quite likely, yes. The Gottman Institute reports money is one of the six most common areas of marital conflict and Gottman recommends having conversations about money early in your relationship. Every prenuptial agreement includes a disclosure of assets and liabilities. Then, the couple sets a roadmap for how their assets will be shared and whether and how their assets will be kept separate. Prenups offer couples sensible guide posts for how to move forward in their new married life.
We like to think that a good prenup agreement prepared by skilled lawyers could go a long way to divorce-proofing your marriage. Why? Because the process brings to the surface unexpressed expectations about marriage, at a time when a couple may be psychologically more able to withstand having difficult conversations and when the couple has the benefit of counsel to assist in processing what could otherwise cause gridlock in a marriage and even lead to the gradual decline of a marriage.
How do I talk to my daughter or son about getting a prenuptial agreement before she or he gets married?
Talk about a sticky wicket. Yes, you can be a supportive parent who is happy your child found love while simultaneously coaching your child on the importance of staying informed and having a plan. But, this one is a little like teaching your own child to drive. The educating may be best left to a professional. Buy your kid a consultation with a family law attorney – better yet, buy them both consultations with separate attorneys.