Some people worry about discussing a prenuptial agreement with their prospective spouse. They may believe their spouse will find it insulting. They may also be concerned that it increases the likelihood of divorce. After all, a prenup sets financial terms in advance, dividing assets and outlining key steps for a smoother divorce process.
But is this actually the case? Some experts argue that a prenup can make divorce less likely and even strengthen a marriage. Why would this be the case?
Important financial conversations
A prenup can help a marriage in part because it forces couples to have important financial discussions. They need to disclose all of their assets, eliminating the risk of financial infidelity or hidden accounts. They also need to discuss debt and how liabilities will be divided and handled in the marriage.
These conversations can sometimes lead to disagreements. Couples may have different views on money or conflicting ideas about financial management after marriage.
However, because the prenup sparks these discussions early, couples have the opportunity to address financial differences before they become a source of conflict. This means fewer financial surprises in the marriage and can reduce overall stress. Since financial stress is one of the leading causes of divorce, addressing it early may actually strengthen the marriage.
A prenup can help a party protect particular assets in the event of a divorce, such as a business they own or wealth they inherited from their family.
Drafting a prenup
If you are interested in drafting a prenuptial agreement, it’s important to understand the necessary legal steps. You also need to be aware of the legal implications if you already have a prenup and are going through a divorce. It can help to work with an experienced law firm in either case.