Prenuptial Agreement
Marriage is a commitment built on optimism and trust. When a couple separates and this commitment dissolves, long, contentious legal battles can result.
A prenuptial agreement can help both parties avoid tremendous stress, expense, and uncertainty. Gordon, Tepper & DeCoursey in Glenville, NY, can help you and your partner draft a prenup that protects you both. Reach out today to request a consultation.
A Simple Way to Protect Your Best Interests In the Event of Divorce or Separation
A prenuptial agreement (often called a prenup) is a means of protecting your financial interests. In essence, it finalizes many of the most difficult aspects of a divorce—property division, alimony, and other financial matters—so that it doesn't have to be sorted under the strain of dissolving a marriage.
Many people think prenuptial agreements are only for those with multimillion-dollar assets, but the truth is that anyone can benefit from having this legal document in place. Divorce is never easy, but when both parties have already made the necessary agreements, it can be much easier than navigating divorce without a prenup.
Is My Marriage Doomed If I Get a Prenup?
Couples often shun the idea of a prenup because they feel like it is an assumption that the marriage will fail, or a sign of distrust. But consider the essence of this agreement: it requires an honest discussion about the possibility that the marriage may not last, along with a mutual agreement that both parties will be treated fairly if it fails. Since the strongest relationships are forged in honesty, it's entirely possible that drafting a prenup could bring you and your partner closer and establish an even deeper respect for one another.
Why Choose Our Family Law Firm?
Our lawyers have the essential qualities to create a prenuptial agreement that serves your best interests:
We Are Focused
on Family Law
Our firm focuses almost exclusively on family law. Our Glenville, New York, family law attorneys frequently handle cases involving divorce and separation, so they are intimately familiar with the difficulties a prenuptial agreement can help you avoid. They are equipped to provide advice and guidance that can protect what matters most to you.
Confidentiality and Compassion
Preparing for a wedding is stressful enough without pondering what will happen if you and your future spouse eventually divorce. Count on our attorneys for confidentiality, professionalism, and respect toward you and your partner. Your partner should hire their own attorney; we will work with them to achieve an agreement you both can feel comfortable with.
Dedication to Your Best Interests
Our lawyers have helped clients weather highly contentious divorces with high stakes. As your legal advocates, we are devoted to drafting a prenup that can help you make the most painless transition possible out of a marriage and into the next chapter of your life. Divorce is never easy, but with the help of our family law attorneys, it doesn't have to be devastating.
“A tremendous benefit and relief.”
“The staff in all areas was very responsive and communicated clearly what was needed and when. I always felt they were aware of what was needed and helped to explain the different stages, why we were doing things as we were, and felt respected at all times. This combined was a tremendous benefit and relief. I do highly recommend them and would expect regardless of the case or the issues the firm and people would work in the same professional manner as it is their nature.” John Q, 5-Star Google Review
Benefits of a Prenuptial Agreement Drafted with the Guidance of Our Glenville, New York, Lawyers
These are just a few of the ways you and your future spouse can benefit from creating a prenup with the help of our attorneys in Glenville:
Save Time and Money
The process of determining how assets are divided after a marriage can be long and expensive. Having a prenuptial agreement in place won't necessarily make your divorce easy; child custody cannot be arranged in a prenup, and even if you have no kids, there is still a profound emotional dimension to this process. But having a property division agreement in place can make it less complicated and less costly.
Protect Assets You Owned Before the Marriage
If you have acquired significant assets prior to your marriage, a prenup can specify how those assets will be divided if you and your partner choose to divorce. You can also specify that certain assets are not joint property, meaning they can remain yours alone if the marriage ends.
Safeguard Assets You May Acquire Later
Are you an entrepreneur hoping to build a thriving business? Are you expecting a sizable inheritance from a wealthy relative? Do you have a loved one who likes to give you valuable gifts? As a client working with our Glenville family law attorneys, you can specify how anticipated assets will be divided, or specify that they will be considered separate property.
Make a Plan for Debt
Debt is a virtually universal part of American life. Regardless of whose name the debt is in, many forms of debt acquired during the marriage will be shared between you and your partner—unless a prenuptial agreement specifies otherwise. This can be especially beneficial if your partner plans to take on student loans, or you anticipate them acquiring a large amount of debt for other purposes.
Make Alimony Arrangements
An important part of divorce is deciding how much spousal support one partner will pay to the other. By discussing this situation with your partner and coming to terms in a premarital agreement, you can save each other considerable strain. Partners can agree upon parameters like the amount of support a higher-earning spouse will pay the other, and for how long. Parties can even choose to waive support completely or to leave it up to a judge. A prenup can be amended during the marriage in the event of significant changes, such as one partner leaving their career to raise children.
“Super nice, polite, intelligent, listened to everything I said and answered all my questions. Thank you for being awesome.” Corey, 5-Star Google Review
