When many Connecticut couples decide to get married, they may be concerned about what would happen to their assets should the marriage end in divorce. Although this may not be the most romantic thought, divorce is always a possibility. With the divorce rate hovering around 50 percent, it’s a good idea to be prepared for the “what if” – especially for those who have a significant amount of money or assets.
This is why prenuptial agreements are a good idea. They offer asset protection should the marriage not last forever. And they’re not just for celebrities. Anyone who has a high net worth should consider one or else their significant other could take half of everything in a divorce. In some cases, the other spouse has taken more than $100 million – no chump change.
However, discussing the thought of a prenuptial agreement with the other half can be scary. The other spouse could be concerned about the thought of planning for both a marriage and a divorce. It could bring about issues of trust and cause problem before the marriage even starts.
But a prenuptial agreement offers many protections. It can cover property division as well as personal decisions such as how to raise children or how often to take vacations. However, it won’t cover any property that is not disclosed before the marriage. An agreement also cannot take precedence over state law.
Of those who have divorced, 15 percent wished they had a prenup in place. The key to a solid marriage is the discussion of finances, which is what a prenup does. If this causes turmoil in a relationship, then it could perhaps be a sign that the marriage was not meant to last. If there is any concern about asset division in a divorce, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
