A Contracting Out Agreement (Pre-nup) is NOT Romantic

When you are in love and planning on spending the rest of your life with someone, it does seem like a very unromantic thing to bring up over a candle lit dinner, “honey, I’d love a pre-nup”. Sure would damper the romantic mood.

 

Romantic or not, pre-nups are a good idea no matter how much it will dampen the romance and they are not just for the rich. A pre-nup is a great way to designate how your assets and your partner’s assets will be divided should the relationship end (through separation or death). It can also provide provisions for waivers such as the right to receive spousal maintenance. A pre-nup can also be useful for couples who want to clarify their financial rights and responsibilities during the relationship.

A pre-nup avoids the cost of going to court if the relationship does end avoiding unnecessary costs, stress, and time. A pre-nup will streamline the separation process making it easier on you emotionally and financially.

 

Bringing up the Pre-nup conversation is possibly the most unromantic thing you can do but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Take courage, rip off the bandaid and let him/her know, “I need a Pre-nup”. Once you’ve said it, you can leave it up to your lawyer to do the unromantic drafting and you can go back to your walking along the beach towards the sunset holding hands.