Should i sign prenuptial agreement

The simple answer is: it depends. First and foremost, sit down and discuss how you feel with your partner. Take the time to hear their side and go through the specifications of the agreement together.

While doing this, keep in mind that prenuptial agreements should be a collaboration guided by dialogue. Its contents should not be from the voice of one person in the union. If you start to feel like the terms are one-sided, ask for some time to think it over—instead of reacting on the spot. Should you find certain portions confusing or unfair, you can always seek the guidance of legal counsel—preferably someone who specializes in marriage contracts.

Remember, the goal is to find common ground that feels comfortable and safe for both of you. Prenups are meant to be mutually beneficial — protecting both partners.

This information will be eye opening and demonstrate the unfairness of the prenup. A neutral mediator can guide you through the process by encouraging open communication. He or she can help you find a fair and reasonable coming together of aims face-to-face, not through dueling attorneys. The process will be under your control. Selfishness kills a marriage. Generosity makes it thrive.

Your mediator can help you make the prenup less restrictive. They can sketch out an area of financial joint venture in the marriage. Most attorneys unthinkingly use a standard scorched-earth version agreement. If you choose to be married, do it fairly and generously.

Trust in the tradition of marriage as a sharing of everything, including finances. Trust in the law to treat both of you fairly should you decide to end your marriage. Prenups make you think less of your spouse. Prenups provide a lifetime of bad memories. They change the basic premises of what a marriage is. Educate your future spouse. This information will be eye opening and demonstrate the unfairness of the prenup 2. Have a mediated prenup if you must have one. Make the prenup as least restrictive as possible.

Author Recent Posts. Laurie Israel. She combines a family law practice with estate planning, tax, mediation and collaborative law. If you have a consumer problem you can't solve, contact him directly through his advocacy website. You can also follow him on Twitter , Facebook , and LinkedIn , or sign up for his daily newsletter. This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here.

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