How to Write a Prenuptial Online

A prenuptial agreement can also outline what happens to assets when a spouse dies.

A prenuptial agreement, commonly called a prenup, refers to a binding legal contract a couple signs before marriage. The agreement stipulates what transpires in the event the couple divorces. Although the idea of outlining what happens if a couple divorces may dampen the happily-ever-after fairytale idea of marriage, it protects both parties. If you don't have a prenup, assets that you intend to leave to your children from a prior relationship can go to the spouse you are divorcing. When creating a prenuptial agreement a couple has two options: do-it-yourself or hire a lawyer. A lawyer can cost from $125 to $500 an hour.

Instructions

1. Conduct research on the online prenuptial options. You have two options: online forms or software from a store. Online prenuptial agreements require you to download forms and fill in the blanks. Software purchased from stores, such as a general office supply store, allows you to use a general prenup form.

2. Get an online prenuptial agreement form. You may have to pay a fee unless the agreement option is free.

3. Answer questions. The online form may require you to answer questions about the state you live in and your financial situation to generate a prenuptial agreement that fits your needs.

4. Complete the online form. You fill in the blanks with the information you and your partner decided to include in the agreement.

5. Print the prenuptial agreement. The software may include instructions on the prenuptial laws in your state.

6. Sign the prenuptial agreement. You and your partner must sign the agreement and provide a full disclosure statement of your assets.

7. Make photocopies. You should make at least three photocopies of the document.

Tips & Warnings

• Before completing a prenuptial agreement, sit down with your partner and negotiate the issues involved. A typical prenuptial agreement, for instance, includes provisions on such things as child custody, support, division of property.

• Seek legal counsel before negotiating or completing the prenuptial agreement. You and your spouse must hire separate lawyers to seek advice about the prenuptial agreement. Many prenuptial agreements have been thrown out because an aggrieved spouse did not have legal representation, reports Bankrate.com.

• Fully disclose all your assets and debts to your partner during the prenuptial agreement process. If you divorce and your spouse or spouse's lawyer finds out you hid assets, a judge may invalidate the prenuptial agreement.

• Don't complete or sign the online prenuptial agreement the day of the wedding. It may complicate things if you divorce. You spouse, for example, can say it was signed under duress. Instead sign the agreement at least two weeks before the wedding ceremony.

References

• Bankrate.com: Prenuptial Agreements: The Basics
• Legal HelpMate: Prenuptial Agreement