Too many couples forego the important protections prenuptial agreements offer, especially those who are very young or considering marriage for the first time. For many years, prenuptial agreements were primarily used by rich families to help protect family assets or children by a former spouse from losing portions of their inheritances.
While these protections still exist, they are not the only protections that couples may enjoy. For instance, a couple may use a prenuptial agreement to keep their respective student loans separate. Without setting up some specific separations, when the couple marries, they join their assets and liabilities. This means that each spouse may get stuck one day with the other’s student loans or other debts.
Similarly, a prenuptial agreement is an excellent place to set aside assets for one spouse or the other. While both partners are happy and the relationship is healthy, it is a good time to sit down and examine all the hopes and dreams a couple has for the future. This can prevent future disappointments in the marriage from alienating one spouse’s treasured property.
If you plan to marry, no matter how young or old you may be, or the state of your finances, be sure to carefully consider a prenuptial agreement. Creating protections for the person you love is one of the best gifts you can give them as you begin your life together. With careful planning, you can give your marriage all the advantages it deserves. The longer you wait, the fewer opportunities you have to protect your interests and those of your future spouse.
Source: TIME, “Why You Should Get a Prenup Even If You’re Young and Broke,” Erin Lowry, accessed Feb. 09, 2018