Nolo vs Prenup Planner

If wedding bells are on the horizon, you might be considering a prenuptial agreement. A prenup - once seen as taboo because it seemed to presume divorce - is increasingly viewed as a practical way to kick off honest conversations about money and a tool to protect what each partner brings into the marriage. Many couples also find that putting terms in writing reduces stress and prevents misunderstandings down the road. It's simply one more way to plan for your life together while safeguarding your assets.

Often called a prenup or premarital agreement, a prenuptial agreement is a legal contract signed before marriage that lays out what each spouse is responsible for now and in the future if the relationship ends through separation, divorce, or death. It clarifies who owns what, how property and debts will be divided, and what financial support either spouse may owe. A well-drafted prenup can also reduce conflict by putting expectations in writing - it's not just for the wealthy, and both partners can benefit from the clarity it provides.

A recent Harris poll found that 15% of respondents have signed a prenuptial agreement - a notable jump from earlier surveys - and about half of U.S. adults say they'd be open to one before marriage. With high divorce rates, people marrying later, and other practical realities, more couples now see a prenup as a routine part of planning a wedding. Financial transparency is increasingly viewed as a foundation for a healthy partnership. If you're considering one, what should you know as you start planning?

When you put together a prenup, you'll usually provide general information across six key areas. Start with the party details - who each of you is and the basics needed to identify you. Then spell out your property, noting which assets you'll share as marital and which will stay separate. You'll also list debts, especially those taken on before the wedding that should remain separate, like student loans. To make the process smoother, each partner should pull recent statements and valuations so the disclosures are accurate and complete.

Although a prenup can't dictate child custody or similar issues, you should still list any children from before the marriage, since their inheritance rights can affect how the agreement is enforced. Spousal support is optional, but if you include it, be specific about who pays whom, the amount, the timing and method of payment, and any conditions. Inheritance rights are often handled in a prenup, so factor that into your planning. It's also smart to coordinate the prenup with your broader estate plan - wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations - to avoid conflicts.

Thankfully, as with many things on your wedding to-do list, prenups can be acquired online. Here are important considerations to keep at the forefront of your mind as you compare the available online prenuptial agreement options:

• Cost. If you're on a tight budget (you are planning a wedding, after all), this may be your first concern. However, while important, cost should not necessarily be the driving point if you want to make certain you have a legally enforceable prenup.
• Effort. You're planning a wedding, working a job, and getting ready to merge households. How much time and effort do you want to put into this? The companies we reviewed range from a true DIY to an all inclusive, hands-off approach. You will notice that as the effort on your part reduces, the cost will increase.
• Length of process. Remember, too, that these agreements can take time to create. Experts advise giving yourself time to get comfortable with the idea and having the talk with your betrothed. Some states even have laws which require the documents to be signed a minimum of a week prior to the wedding. Keep this in mind as you review different online options.
• Guarantees. Does the service provide any protection or guarantee regarding its legal documents? Look for companies who provide assurance and stand behind their services.
• Customer satisfaction. How do their clients feel about their prenups? Are they happy with the service received? Learn from someone else's mistakes and stay away from the companies with lower ratings or bad reviews.

We at Top Consumer Reviews want to help you prepare for your big day by providing some direction based on our research into the best - and worst- options for creating a prenuptial agreement online, should you ever need to enforce it. Once you get this item off your wedding preparations list, you can get back to enjoying your happily ever after!