Pennsylvania Family Law Blog

As an experienced Philadelphia pre-marital agreements lawyer, I have always emphasized the importance of a prenuptial agreement. A pre-marital agreement, also known as a prenuptial, ante-nuptial or a pre-nuptial agreement, is a legal document that is signed and agreed upon by both parties before legally entering into marriage. These documents are in no way mandatory to get married, but many couples are increasingly entering into such an agreement so that there is a strong safeguard in place should anything happen.

A recent article by Associated Press writer Candice Choi beautifully explains why a prenuptial agreement, or a “prenup” as it is commonly known, is a smart money move. Choi explains that with so many more blended families and dual income households these days, family finances have become an extremely complex issue. A prenuptial agreement, says Choi, can minimize the potential for a messy divorce by spelling out each party’s rights to assets brought into the marriage as well as those acquired as a couple.

Although the last thing a couple wants to think about is a Pennsylvania divorce, statistically, the odds are stacked up against marriage. About 40 percent of marriages in recent years have ended in divorce. So, if you are getting married, here are some things to consider:

• Is a prenup right for you?
• Do you need one?
• How much will it cost?
• What are the areas a prenuptial agreement should cover?
• Is there anything a prenup cannot or will not cover?
• How easy is it to invalidate the agreement?
• How often should you update a prenup?

There are many more questions that will arise when the time comes. If you are looking to draft or enter into a prenuptial agreement, please remember that it should be drafted and filed by an experienced pre-marital agreements lawyer. Each member of the relationship should be represented by such an attorney. If you have any questions regarding prenuptial agreements or the process, please contact the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz. We are fully familiar with the particulars of each state’s premarital and co-habitation agreement laws. We offer free, comprehensive and confidential consultations.