Prenuptial agreements limit the risk of a contentious divorce. Public acceptance of prenuptial agreements has increased noticeably in recent decades, but not everyone embraces marital contracts.
Some people may still feel anxious when hearing a request to sign a prenuptial agreement. The three possible approaches below can help to minimize the likelihood of one party feeling scared about signing a prenuptial agreement.
1. Highlight the marriage benefits
A prenuptial agreement requires that couples discuss many important issues. Financial planning, dreams for the future and even plans for children require consideration when drafting a prenuptial agreement. Couples who start their marriage off with shared values and expectations are less likely to divorce over future disputes.
2. Explain the need for balance
People often assume that prenuptial agreements protect one person at the expense of the other. However, a contract that only protects one party is unconscionable. Each person must derive appropriate protections from a prenuptial agreement. They allow spouses to preserve retirement savings, earmark small businesses as separate property or even avoid responsibility for one another’s debts.
3. Explore the impact of a litigated divorce
A litigated divorce can have devastating consequences. It can damage parent-child relationships, force the liquidation of a business or lead to the spouses selling the home where they imagined living forever.
Prenuptial agreements can reduce conflict and diminish divorce expenses. They can help people preserve more of their property. Suggesting a prenuptial agreement usually does not indicate a lack of faith in the relationship, only a need to be somewhat pragmatic with one’s life choices. A respectful approach to the topic could lead to mutual protection and helpful conversations accordingly.