No one enters into a marriage with the expectation that it may someday end. The unfortunate truth, however, is that divorce is more common and it can “happen to you.” By having a prenuptial agreement when you enter into marriage you help to ensure that, should things ever go bad, then you are protected. Also, such an agreement can go a long way towards shielding one spouse from the other’s pre-existing financial problems. Our Melbourne family law attorney drafts prenuptial agreements on behalf of Brevard County residents. Contact us today to speak with a lawyer.
Prenuptial agreements put a plan in place regarding how assets will be divided in the event that you or your spouse ever file for divorce. If no agreement is in place, then the spouses will be bound by Florida divorce laws. This means, for example, that all property acquired during the marriage will be marital property. It also means that one of the spouses may be required to pay spousal support. If, however, an agreement is in place then it can be pre-determined how property will be divided, whether or not property should remain separate, and whether or not spousal support will be an issue. Having such a plan in place can often make people feel more comfortable with the idea of getting married.
Another benefit of drafting a prenuptial agreement is that it can spare one from their new spouse’s past financial problems. If your new spouse has pre-existing tax problems, then the IRS will typically not levy your wages if there is a prenuptial agreement in place. Also, your earnings and property may possibly be shielded from debt collectors attempting to levy your spouse. Prenups can be an important financial planning tool for this very reason.
Lindsey Gardner Shneyder is a Melbourne family law attorney assisting with the drafting of prenuptial agreements. She will analyze your situation, give you an honest assessment of whether an agreement is in your best interests, and help you to understand your options. Lindsey prepares most agreements for a flat fee so you can focus your funds on the most important thing – your new family. Contact us today.
Our lawyer also service clients in the cities of Titusville, Cocoa, Palm Bay, Grant, Valkaria, and Rockledge, as well as in the Indian River County areas of Fellsmere, Sebastian, Vero Beach, Indian River Shores, and Orchid.