Few couples wish to dwell upon the thought of a marriage ending. However, it’s important for engaged and married couples to be aware that numerous marriages end in divorce. Preparing accordingly is thus a wise step even when two spouses are in love.
One way to prepare is to enter into a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. If you’re planning on doing so in New York, be sure to hire an attorney before signing anything.
At the firm of Randi L. Karmel, PLLC, a Manhattan prenuptial and postnuptial agreements attorney can help you navigate this process. Attorney Randi L. Karmel can also protect your rights by ensuring the terms of a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement are fair.
Prenuptial vs. Postnuptial Agreements: What’s the Difference?
Most are familiar with prenuptial agreements, or prenups. Some couples enter into prenuptial agreements before getting married to define their property rights and responsibilities in case they ever divorce one another in the future.
Some assume it’s too late to enter into such an agreement if they’ve already wed their spouse. That’s not the case. You can still enter into a postnuptial agreement if you’re married.
This type of contract serves the same purpose as a prenup. The only difference between the two is that a postnuptial agreement can be entered into after a wedding. Consult with a Manhattan prenuptial and postnuptial agreements attorney to learn more about your options.
Reasons to Enter Into a Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement
There was once a stigma surrounding prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Entering into such an agreement was regarded by some as an indication that a couple lacks faith in their marriage’s strength.
Luckily, attitudes about prenups and “postnups” are changing. According to a Harris Interactive poll, in 2000, approximately three percent of American adults who were married or engaged reported signing a prenuptial agreement. When Harris Poll (the current name of Harris Interactive) conducted the same survey in 2022, 15 percent of married or engaged respondents reported having signed a prenup.
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are likely becoming more common as the positive reasons for entering into such agreements become more apparent. They include (but aren’t limited to):
- Reducing stress and saving time/money if a marriage does end in divorce
- Ensuring state law doesn’t dictate the nature of the certain property
- Making provisions regarding spousal support, child support, and child custody
How a Manhattan Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements Lawyer Helps
Hiring a legal professional is critical when entering into a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. A Manhattan prenuptial and postnuptial agreements attorney can assist you by:
- Working to understand your goals and drafting an official agreement that reflects them
- Ensuring your prenuptial or postnuptial agreement is enforceable
- Demonstrating to a court that an agreement is enforceable if disputes should ever arise
Additionally, a qualified Manhattan prenuptial and postnuptial agreements attorney at the firm of Randi L. Karmel can remind you every step of the way that signing a prenup or postnup contract is a smart and responsible decision for a couple to make. This can help you feel more comfortable about the idea. Learn more by contacting our firm online or calling us at (212) 755-0224.