How to Read a Prenuptial Agreement

Prenuptial agreements are about money and how financial assets will be divided up if the marriage fails. These agreements are negotiated by lawyers and signed before the bride and groom walk down the aisle. Prenuptial agreements need to be fully read and understood entirely before the wedding takes place. Here is some information about prenuptial agreements.

Instructions

1. Consider drawing up a prenuptial agreement even if you're a younger couple who is marrying for the first time. Prenuptial agreements used to be popular mostly with older people who were marrying for the second or third time and wanted to protect inheritance rights for their children, but prenups are now very common for any couple wishing to protect the assets they have when entering into a marriage.

2. Know that the terms in a prenuptial agreement are upheld with just a couple of exceptions, so be sure to read it very carefully. Judges will not uphold provisions stating who will have custody of children and how much the support will be. The care and support of minor children is subject to court review.

3. Don't sign under circumstances that will not be upheld. The other exception that judges will not uphold in the prenuptial agreement is if you can prove it was signed under coercion, distress or some other unfair condition. Be sure you read the prenup carefully and sign it accordingly.

4. Reveal how much money, assets and debts both parties entering into the marriage have and be sure these items are spelled out in the prenuptial agreement.

5. Ensure the financial well-being of the marriage through the prenuptial agreement and be sure provisions are included. Prenuptial agreements may not be romantic but with the divorce rate of first marriages being one out of every three, a prenup may be a smart move.

6. Understand all the terms of the agreement fully. Have your own attorney review a prenuptial agreement before signing it. Make sure you thoroughly understand and agree to all the terms of the agreement before signing anything.

7. Sign the prenup well before the wedding day once you have fully read and understand all the terms of the agreement after consulting with your attorney.

Tips & Warnings

• A prenuptial agreement isn't etched in stone. It is a product of your partnership and can be changed as often as needed.

• Do not sign anything that you do not understand and agree with. Consult your own attorney before signing a prenuptial agreement.

• Signing the contract on the wedding day may be construed as undue pressure upon signing.