Prenup Attorney in Jacksonville

Do I Need a Prenuptial Agreement?

Prior to marriage, two people may be questioning whether they should truly get married or not, and whether their marriage will last a lifetime. When these two people decide to make this life-changing decision, they often desire a back-up plan that they can fall back on if their marriage fails.

Marriage is not a commitment that should be entered into without taking into consideration all legal elements involved. It is important to fully understand the marriage contract prior to signing. The marriage contract is a commitment and therefore, there are heavy consequences if divorce occurs.

Contact my firm's Jacksonville prenup lawyer at the firm online or call (904) 849-5183 today to learn more about how I can help!

Why You Need a Prenuptial Agreement in Jacksonville, FL

At Charles E. Willmott, P.A., I can help you establish a prenuptial agreement that can protect your income, assets, and property in the case of a divorce. They are especially important in high net worth divorce cases because there is much at stake. These agreements protect those who do not wish to be taken advantage of by the other party. They also are designed to modify terms of a marriage contract in case the marriage does not work. Within the prenuptial agreement, it is important to discuss alimony, so that you are not forced to support an individual who has committed adultery.

Benefits of obtaining a prenuptial agreement include:

• Asset protection: A prenuptial agreement allows you to clearly define and protect your individual assets, such as property, investments, and businesses.
• Debt division: By establishing how debts will be divided in the event of a divorce, a prenuptial agreement can help prevent one party from shouldering an unfair financial burden.
• Alimony considerations: A prenuptial agreement can outline the terms and conditions for spousal support, providing clarity and avoiding potential disputes in the future.
• Preserving family heirlooms: If you have sentimental or valuable family heirlooms, a prenuptial agreement can ensure that they remain in your possession and are not subject to division.
• Peaceful resolution: By addressing potential conflicts and establishing clear guidelines for asset division, a prenuptial agreement can help minimize disputes and promote a more amicable separation process.

Secure Your Peace of Mind with a Prenup

Obtaining a prenuptial agreement can provide you and your partner with a sense of security and peace of mind as you enter into marriage. 

Here are more key reasons to consider a prenuptial agreement:

• Protecting your business: If you own a business or are a partner in a business, a prenup can safeguard your ownership rights and prevent your business from being divided in a divorce.
• Clarifying financial responsibilities: A prenuptial agreement can establish the financial responsibilities and obligations of each spouse during the marriage, which can help prevent financial conflicts and misunderstandings.

Prenuptial vs. Postnuptial Agreements: What You Should Know

Typically, a prenuptial agreement is drafted and signed by both parties prior to the wedding. The purpose of a prenup is to ensure that each spouse's interests are be protected in the event of a future divorce—namely the financial assets that they are bringing to the marriage. In essence, a postnuptial agreement can be utilized to accomplish the very same goals, but the document is drafted and signed after the couple is already married.

Ensuring Your Prenuptial Agreement is Valid

Prenups can be a great tool for couples to use before getting married. A prenuptial agreement can help you establish each other’s financial rights in the event of a divorce. This includes protecting a family business or securing your personal assets. However, prenups must be done right to be valid.

Let us look at the top 3 reasons why a prenuptial agreement might be invalid:

1. The agreement was not written by the couple or notarized by an attorney.
2. Incomplete documents – both parties must sign the agreement before the wedding. If your spouse-to-be rushes you to sign without reading the documents thoroughly, the petition will be declared invalid as you do not understand the terms or rights. The couple should take the time to read the components carefully.
3. The agreement was not consensual – If one or both parties were pressured into a prenuptial agreement, whether it be from a family member, your spouse’s lawyer, or your spouse.

Now that you have a better idea of what a prenuptial agreement is and how it can protect your rights, consult with our prenuptial agreement lawyer today.