It can be uncomfortable to discuss prenuptial (prenup) agreements with someone you hope to spend the rest of your life with. Some people view prenups as preparing for a divorce. So, how do you raise this matter before your marriage even begins?
Below are three tips to help you:
1. Do it earlier
Your soon-to-be spouse should know you want a prenup early and, if possible, before engagement. They deserve adequate time to wrap their head around it if they have not yet done so. Let them research its benefits and if they want to get into such an agreement.
Further, you don’t want your partner to feel rushed into signing the agreement. Not only is this unfair but also the prenup may be unenforceable.
2. Explain why you want a prenup
Couples typically get prenups for different reasons – to protect themselves from each other’s debts, to categorize property that would be classified as community property as separate property, to determine how to distribute property in the event of a divorce and so on. Generally, your prenup can contain several provisions that are enforceable in Texas.
You should inform your partner why you want a prenup. When they have adequate information about your reasons, they can make informed decisions as well.
Additionally, your partner should know you only want a prenup as a precaution – you will do everything to make the marriage work. But if it doesn’t, you have an agreement to guide you through divorce, protecting your relationship.
3. Listen to your partner
Your prenup should be in the best interest of both of you. Therefore, you should listen attentively to your partner’s concerns and wishes. Understand the matter from their perspective and develop solutions together.
Consider getting legal guidance to draft a prenup that will protect you and your future spouse as intended.