Divorce can be a challenging and emotionally draining experience for anyone involved. It often leaves individuals grappling with not just the emotional aftermath but also the complex financial and legal implications. Because of that, I’ve found in my work as an attorney and divorce mediator that postnuptial agreements can be a valuable tool to help couples navigate the intricate terrain of marital asset division. I’ve witnessed the transformative power of postnuptial agreements in helping couples safeguard their interests and maintain peace during uncertain times and hopefully allow themselves to remain married and not get divorced. In this blog, I’ll explore who postnuptial agreements are for and how they can be a constructive resource for couples seeking clarity and security in their marriage.
Who Are Postnuptial Agreements For?
It’s important to note that couples entering into a postnuptial agreement need to attest to the fact that they are not currently contemplating divorce, or else the agreement could be found invalid. Otherwise, there are several types of situations where a postnuptial would be appropriate.
1. Couples Seeking Financial Clarity
Postnuptial agreements are primarily for couples who desire greater financial transparency and clarity within their marriage.
These agreements can define how assets, debts, and income will be managed during the marriage and in the event of divorce or death. This is particularly useful for couples who have complex financial situations, such as significant assets, business interests, or varying income levels. It is also helpful when there has been financial conflicts or infidelity and the couple wants to put some safeguards in place moving forward. By addressing these matters upfront, couples can minimize potential conflicts and misunderstandings in the future.
2. Individuals with Previous Financial Obligations, who Didn’t Enter into a Prenuptial Agreement
Postnuptial agreements also serve those who enter a marriage with pre-existing financial obligations, such as child support, alimony, or substantial debts who didn’t have time before they got married to enter into a prenuptial agreement.
These agreements can outline how these obligations will be managed during the marriage and what impact they may have on the marital assets if the marriage ends. By doing so, individuals can protect their financial interests and prevent their spouse from being held responsible for their pre-existing debts or support payments. The agreement can also address assets that either couple may have that again they weren’t able to address with a prior prenuptial agreement.
3. Couples Seeking to Strengthen Their Marriage
Contrary to common misconceptions, postnuptial agreements are not solely for couples on the brink of divorce – and as discussed before, if you are on the brink of divorce and enter into a postnuptial agreement to merely get divorced right after, your agreement may not be enforceable.
They can also be a tool for strengthening a marriage by addressing issues that may be causing tension or insecurity. For instance, couples struggling with financial disagreements can use a postnuptial agreement to create a financial plan that both parties are comfortable with, potentially reducing stress and arguments related to money matters. Additionally, the agreement can help the couple figure out the points of conflict in their marriage and come up with ways to deal with them constructively.
4. Second Marriages & Blended Families
Postnuptial agreements, like prenuptial agreement can be particularly valuable in the context of second marriages or blended families. When individuals with children from previous relationships marry, they may want to ensure that their children’s inheritances and financial interests are protected. Postnuptial agreements can outline how assets will be distributed upon the death of one spouse or in the event of a divorce, providing clarity and security for all family members involved. I have found that especially when there are adult children involved from a prior marriage it can make things easier on everyone involved to have some established way of dealing with assets and debts during the marriage.
Postnuptial agreements are versatile tools that offer couples the opportunity to proactively address financial matters and other concerns within their marriage. Whether it’s because they wanted a prenuptial agreement and didn’t have time to do so or they are years into the marriage and realizing that they have financial issues to work out. They are not just for the wealthy or couples contemplating divorce but can be a valuable resource for anyone seeking financial clarity, protection of assets, or the strengthening of their marriage.
As an attorney and divorce mediator, I have seen firsthand how postnuptial agreements can provide peace of mind and help couples navigate the complexities of marriage and divorce with greater ease.
Contact West Coast Family Mediation to learn how you can get started with marital mediation.
by: Amanda Singer, Esq., MDR, CDFA®