Why should I get a prenuptial agreement in California?

Why should I get a prenuptial agreement in California?

A prenuptial agreement (prenup) is a wise legal choice for you and your spouse because it helps provide security. Financial assets are a major concern for people as they get married and have doubts about the future. A prenup will address those concerns.

However, the legal, practical reasons to get a prenuptial agreement are sometimes secondary to the other benefits of a prenup. And there are a few:

Greater certainty about your commitment

Entering into a prenup involves signing documents and making real legal commitments. Those legal commitments make it clear to both sides that they are committed practically. It’s hard to know how serious a person is, even if there is an engagement, invitations were sent, and a venue security deposit paid. For some, a prenup is just what they need.

Clarity around the basics of the marriage

Almost every advice column about fights between married couples has a line like “number of children is something you should have discussed before getting married.” And that’s true. Many people get married without ever talking about some very important pieces of information, such as:

• How many children?
• Where will they live?
• How much they will commit to saving?
• How often should they take vacations?
• Will they share finances?

There are lots of questions that you may have about your future and the life you want to build. Your prenup discussions will force those to come up. And it might lead to serious, difficult conversations, but those are essential conversations to have for the life of your marriage.

A prenup is a marital contract.

Essentially, a prenup is a contract. It has terms, conditions and outcomes, and both parties sign. It’s important, and it can shape your marriage in many positive ways. Consider a prenup not as a test or an obstacle but as a moment to connect before anyone says, “I do.”