There is a common perception that tying the knot is a profoundly romantic experience. Creating a prenuptial agreement requires unromantic conversations about money and property. However, practical considerations will almost always win out over sentimental ones before a wedding when it comes to establishing a prenuptial agreement. The two parties should discuss and sign the prenuptial agreement as soon as possible before the wedding. And not trust common misconceptions about prenuptial agreements.

Prenuptial agreements have a bad rep for being seen as an omen of divorce and other undesirable connotations. However, most common misunderstandings about prenuptial agreements are entirely untrue. In the following, we dispel several of the most widespread myths about prenuptial agreements.

What are Prenuptial Agreements?

In the United Kingdom, engaged couples can protect their financial futures by signing a prenuptial agreement (prenup). This binding contract specifies the rights and responsibilities of each party.

Not only that, but it also serves as proof of financial and asset ownership and the division of property in the event of a divorce. In short, it’s a document outlining the distribution of assets between the parties involved. Prenuptial agreements help couples plan for the future, both financially and in terms of potential conflict.

A woman holding her head and reading some papers

Don’t believe the most common misconceptions about prenuptial agreements. They will do you no good.

 

A prenup dooms your marriage

One of the most common misconceptions about prenuptial agreements is that your marriage is doomed after getting one. Is it for tax reasons or to cover funeral costs? The reason has nothing to do with hoping for or anticipating an untimely demise. You may rest easy knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of financially in the case of a divorce if you have life insurance in place. Even prenuptial agreements have their limits. No one enters into a prenuptial agreement hoping that the marriage will eventually fail. One common misconception about prenuptial agreements is that they automatically lead to divorce. These are some of the most common mistakes people make during a divorce. You shouldn’t rush into it. Even if it seems like there is no other way, take it slow. Move away, or stay apart and go into it with a clear head.

When you sign a prenuptial agreement, you may rest easy knowing that your financial and legal matters are taken care of in the event of a divorce. It could be a great tool for learning about human connections. Why? Prenuptial agreements force engaged couples to have difficult discussions about money management and marital expectations before they tie the knot. They can help bring people together and make them feel more comfortable with one another. A prenuptial agreement can set the tone for an amicable beginning to a marriage. Once they’ve dealt with the “what ifs,” the couple can focus on what’s truly important: their friendship.

Two men shaking hands while a woman stands next to them

A prenup does not say anything about your future

Those who are considering a prenuptial agreement are not interested in getting married

Truth be told, if someone did not want to be married, they probably wouldn’t. If you’re thinking about getting a prenup, it’s probably because you want to protect your assets and make a potential divorce less expensive and less complicated. What a great resource! When a couple is deeply in love, it’s much easier to work out divorce details than when feelings have shifted, and divorce seems imminent. So these common misconceptions about prenuptial agreements wouldn’t stop anybody if they genuinely wanted to get married.

Prenuptial agreements can cover topics like child custody or support provisions

Prenuptial agreements are subject to a number of limitations. One of these is that prenuptial agreements cannot address conservatorship issues like child support or custody. The courts will not uphold a prenuptial agreement that specifies the custody of a child or the amount of child support a parent must pay.

It’s important to note that a prenup can address concerns about a spouse’s child or children, including any child support obligations. Cost estimation, insurance coverage, and a plan for the distribution of any inheritances might all be incorporated. So you should also start thinking about how to make your child comfortable in two homes if there is a need for it. Make your child used to it in advance.

Wealthy people are the only ones who need prenuptial agreements

While there may have been some truth to this myth in the past, prenuptial agreements are now legal in almost all states. The Wall Street Journal suggests that wealthy couples or those expecting a large inheritance should sign a prenuptial agreement. The couple can decide how their marital estate will be divided rather than leaving that decision up to a judge who may not fully understand the nuances of their relationship. Our friends at Excalibur Moving and Storage will tell you how many people use their services when dividing their property. The general advice is that you should have a plan if it comes to that. Any couple, regardless of financial status, could profit from such influence.

Two men shaking hands

All couples should consider a prenup

Prenuptial agreements are only helpful if the couple gets a divorce

For this reason, prenuptial agreements frequently address both the possibility of a divorce and the possibility of a spouse’s death in the context of estate planning. It may serve as a reference document outlining your wishes regarding your finances and property. A prenuptial agreement can also be used to lay out the couple’s long-term financial plans, such as where they will live and how their income will be split. Even problematic behavior is discussed in some prenups. Although some spouses feel more secure with a prenuptial agreement in place, we do not advise relying solely on one or using it to govern your actions once you’re married. Though, you should still consider some things when choosing an attorney for your prenup. A good attorney will only have good advice to give you and will write up a good prenup.

Having a prenuptial agreement shows a lack of trust between partners

There are prevalent misconceptions about prenuptial agreements that having a prenuptial agreement means at least one partner is suspicious of or unfaithful to the other. USA Today reports that preparing a prenuptial agreement can strengthen a couple’s trust and devotion to one another. Since disagreements over money are a leading cause of divorce. It’s important for newlyweds to have a clear picture of their financial standing from the get-go. Putting off discussions about money until after the wedding. On the other hand, it could lead to some unpleasant surprises and disagreements.