The Reality of Romance
When deciding to get married, no one wants to speak about money or contingencies, love is certainly in the air.
However, this is exactly the time to speak about it. One of the issues married couples most fight about is money and when the marriage breaks down, the talk immediately goes to how much he or she owes me.
What most people are shocked about it that family in general is not meant to be punitive (even though it feels like it is). Frank discussions need to be had before getting into a contract called marriage. I know it’s not romantic but it is reality.
You have to be clear about what each of you are bringing into the marriage. Know what assets you have and your partner has. This should be in writing acknowledged by both parties.
The next step is to discuss what your expectation would be if you divorced. Again, I know not romantic but important. How long would you expect spousal support? What considerations should there be for offspring? Does your partner have a right to go after your business or livelihood?
In this day and age where people are marrying later, have careers and are established, marrying without a pre-nuptial agreement is rolling the dice. I have heard it all before, after the fact people (usually women) lamenting that they should have paid more attention during the marriage to where the money was, how it was being spent and how they could have protected themselves more.
My suggestion, get a contract. It’s not the end of the world. If you never use it then it’s just an insurance policy you don’t cash. Get a lawyer, draw something up now, before things get bitter and emotional. In today’s society you never know what may happen and it is always better to be safe than sorry.