Skillfully Creating Prenuptial And Postnuptial Agreements For Massachusetts Couples

Last updated on December 30, 2024

Before and during a marriage, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your assets, particularly in the case of divorce. While no one likes to think about it, not all marriages last forever, which is why a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can help you maintain financial security in case your relationship ends.

At Cunnally Law Group, LLC, in Medway, we can help couples in Norfolk County and throughout the Metrowest region create these documents thoughtfully so they are ready when needed in the future.

What Is The Difference Between Prenuptial And Postnuptial Agreements?

A prenuptial agreement (“prenup”) is an agreement entered into by a couple prior to marriage that sets forth the parties’ financial obligations and property rights upon divorce. A prenup can address money and property held prior to the marriage, money earned and property accumulated during the marriage, and spousal support that may be paid following a divorce.

It is wise for engaged couples considering entering into a prenup to get all of the information early in the engagement. Prenups often take months to draft, negotiate, and complete. Many states require prenups to be signed well in advance of the marriage in order to be enforceable, and there must be full financial disclosure on both sides and the agreement must be reasonable.

A postnuptial agreement (“postnup”) is an agreement entered into by a couple during their marriage that sets forth the parties’ financial obligations and property rights in the event of a divorce. Similar to a prenup, a postnuptial agreement can address money and property held prior to the marriage, money earned and property accumulated during the marriage, and spousal support that may be paid following a divorce.

Benefits Of A Prenup Or Postnup

Both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements have the benefit of saving considerable time and expense compared to a typical litigated divorce. Rather than embarking on an expensive and often time-consuming process of dividing marital assets in traditional divorce litigation, these agreements often sets out the division of assets for the parties in the event of a divorce.

Similarly, prenups and postnups can also cover a number of other issues, including determining how much a party will pay/receive in alimony, which party remains in the marital home, and even which party keeps the pets.

Let Us Help Protect Your Future

If you are considering a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement in Massachusetts, you should retain your own experienced Massachusetts family law attorney to draft and/or review the document to be certain that your interests are protected.

Finally, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are just not for the wealthy. Couples with more moderate estates and income are taking advantage of these agreements more and more frequently.

For more information, call our firm at 508-475-9684 today or email us online.