Getting married or entering a civil union can be a joyous occasion, but it also involves some not-so-romantic details, like property and legal rights. When you and your significant other are considering tying the knot, writing a prenup agreement may be a good idea to protect your rights and address potential legal conflicts. These documents can give you an opportunity to have necessary conversations, such as who owns what assets and what right each person has to those.
Instead of going through this process alone, consider collaborating with a Piscataway prenuptial agreements lawyer at our firm. Our fierce marital agreements attorney has over 18 years of hands-on training and experience and could guide clients who want to set themselves up for success by writing a prenup. She helps lift clients up when they may feel uncomfortable or burdened by the legal aspects of their situation.
Under the New Jersey Revised Statutes Annotated § 37:2-34, an engaged couple can create a prenup that discusses important issues, like property rights. For example, these agreements can explain how the couple would like to address things such as:
In most cases, the prenup cannot talk about child support or child custody matters, regardless of whether the couple has children. Instead, they would need to sort these matters out later if the marriage or union ends due to divorce or separation. A Piscataway attorney could help couples draft prenuptial agreements that meet the legal criteria and protect each person’s rights.
Many couples find having a written premarital arrangement beneficial to understanding what to expect during the marriage. It can also give them clarity and predictability if their union ends. A well-written and enforceable agreement can save them the legal expenses that can come with arguing about these matters in court.
To be valid, the prenup should be in writing and signed by both spouses. Additionally, each person should have the chance to review the other’s important financial records. This might involve giving each other access to bank statements, investment account documents, deeds, or other materials.
Likewise, each spouse should sign the contract of their own free will. That means that both people know what they are signing, agree to the terms, and are of sound mind when they sign. Under N.J. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 37:2-38, the court can dismiss a contract if a spouse is dishonest about their finances or forces the other to sign.
A Piscataway attorney could provide key insights into how to put together nuptial contract that accomplishes those goals and is enforceable.
A prenup can empower you and your fiancé to address the difficult questions that come with merging lives. It can give you peace of mind knowing that you have prepared a plan if the relationship ends. Because these documents involve legal rights, working with a trusted attorney to create one can be valuable.
A Piscataway prenuptial agreements lawyer could help you protect your rights as you take this next step in your life. At our firm, we understand what you might be going through as you ready yourself to tie the knot. Contact our hard-working attorney to schedule a consultation.