US Legal Forms vs Law Depot

If wedding bells are in your future, you may be thinking about getting a prenuptial agreement. While once considered taboo due to its implications regarding a possible divorce, today more couples are considering them as both a beginning of a conversation about financial expectations in marriage and a way to protect their assets.

Commonly called a prenup or sometimes a premarital agreement, a prenuptial agreement is legal contact created prior to marriage. The document spells out both the current and future responsibilities of the spouses in the case of separation, divorce, or death. It can be used to clarify debt and wealth, division of property, and spousal financial obligations.

A recent Harris poll showed that 15% of respondents had signed a prenuptial agreement, a sharp increase from earlier polling. Other data demonstrates that half of American adults say they would be open to signing one prior to marriage. High divorce statistics, marrying later in life, and other factors reveal that more people consider entering into a prenup as a basic part of the wedding planning process. So what do you need to know when you are planning yours?

The general information needed to complete a prenup includes the following six areas. First, the party details outline who is entering into the agreement. Then, assets are addressed - which ones will be shared and which will remain separate. Next, debts will be listed, especially those which are incurred prior to the marriage and are to remain separate (such as student loans).

While a prenup cannot legally address child custody and related issues, children born prior to the marriage should be listed since they have the right to inheritance, which can impact how a prenup is enforced. Spousal support is an optional part of a prenup, but if you decide to include it, consider which spouse will pay the other, the amount to be paid, frequency of payment and method, and conditions on the support. Finally, inheritance rights are often addressed in a prenup, so this should be taken into consideration when planning yours.

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!