No couple walking down the aisle ever imagines their marriage could end. However, the statistics say otherwise: one in three couples will wind up divorcing. While it’s not the most romantic topic, a pre-nuptial agreement is simply a smart way to make that process (if it happens) a lot simpler – and more civil. Birkat Elyon is in the business of helping smart couples with high-quality, affordable cubic zirconia wedding rings. These beauties are indistinguishable from “the real thing” and help them start life on a more solid financial footing. Here are a few instances in which having a pre-nup is also a smart move.
ONE OF YOU HAS MORE DEBT If your spouse brings student loans or credit card debt into the marriage, you don’t want to be stuck with any of it down the road.
YOU PLAN TO BUY PROPERTY TOGETHER If one of you is investing more money towards the down payment, that may not be reflected in any distribution of marital assets. A pre-nup makes it clear on those numbers if that property is sold.
ONE OF YOU OWNS A BUSINESS A pre-nup protects the hard work that’s been put in over the years. On the other hand, it also protects the other spouse from being responsible for bad debts, etc. Litigating that after the fact can be very costly.
AN INHERITANCE IS EXPECTED There are some parents reluctant to pass on assets without some protection to their family member, since it might be split in case of a divorce. Signing a pre-nuptial agreement provides peace of mind.
ONE OF YOU HAS ASSETS Let’s say one of you has a condo at the time of marriage. A pre-nup can ensure that the initial investment, as well as any appreciation in value, remains in that person’s hands versus being split between you.
YOU’VE ONLY BEEN ENGAGED A SHORT TIME This is kind of a no-brainer.
ONLY ONE OF YOU PLANS TO WORK If one of you plans to stay at home and raise the kids, a pre-nup can outline the value of unpaid labor. This makes it easier to come to a financial agreement in case of divorce.
While it may seem cynical to discuss the “what ifs” before you’ve even started, relationship experts note that talking over a pre-nuptial agreement can help define boundaries, goals, and expectations, which can only strengthen the relationship.