Very few people want to consider the divorce settlement while planning a marriage. Yet, even though prenuptial (or ante nuptial) agreements do just that, they are a common part of marital planning when one prospective spouse needs to protect assets or a family business. However, many reasons besides high finances make drafting a prenuptial agreement sensible. Even someone with significantly less to lose can benefit.
You need to look at the big picture when determining reasons in favor of a prenuptial agreement. In addition to the more obvious circumstances that warrant protection, consider reasons such as the following:
- If your partner brings significantly more income and assets to the marriage, a legal agreement can help ensure you will have the resources to support yourself after divorce.
- If you plan to stop working to care for your children, an end to your marriage can leave it difficult to return to the workforce due to outdated skills.
- If you have children from a prior relationship that you want to provide for.
Of course, both parties sometimes display a cooperative and caring spirit when they go through divorce. However, such cooperation and caring are usually more evident before couples tie the knot, not when they are ending the marriage. Drafting a prenuptial agreement can help ensure both parties emerge from an unsatisfactory marriage with a fresh start.