Have you been asked to sign a premarital agreement? Do you have significant personal property or assets that you want to protect? It is important to take enough time to understand a prenuptial agreement (antenuptial agreement) and the significance it may have on your future prior to signing it. Bentley, Kopecki, Smith, P.C., understands clients’ concerns, uncertainty and needs regarding premarital agreements. We utilize our 40-plus years of combined family law experience to effectively assist clients with prenuptial agreements. Contact our Pennsylvania premarital agreements attorneys for a free initial consultation.
What, Exactly, Is A Prenuptial Agreement?
A prenuptial agreement is a contract that you and your future spouse may enter into in contemplation of marriage to protect assets and determine property allocation in the event of divorce. It can also determine how finances will be handled during the marriage. A prenuptial agreement is also referred to as a premarital agreement or an antenuptial agreement.
When Is A Prenuptial Agreement Important?
The goal of a prenuptial agreement is to protect certain assets, inheritances, pensions, a family business or other important property from the equitable distribution process in the event that the marriage fails. Additionally, a premarital agreement may enable certain assets to pass to a child from a previous marriage rather than to a spouse in the event of death. A prenup can determine how bills are paid during a marriage and who has financial responsibility for what.
What If I Do Not Sign A Prenuptial Agreement?
If a valid prenuptial agreement is not in place and the marriage fails, the marital property and gains on separate property may be subject to equitable division. Essentially, unless the parties come to an agreement upon divorce, the property will be divided in a manner that the court believes is fair or equitable, which is not necessarily equal or fair to you.
Consult With Our Skilled Family Lawyers
Our family lawyers — Victoria Bentley, Eric Gibson and Rebecca A. Smith — answer clients’ questions and effectively assist in creating premarital agreements. It is important to discuss the agreement well in advance of the marriage; otherwise, the integrity of the agreement may be jeopardized. Contact us today for a free initial consultation about how we can help. Call 610-685-8000 today.
