Just as the law recognizes marriage as a legal contract as well as an emotional one, many couples also understand these nuances and take steps to protect each other’s interests in the event of a separation, divorce, or death. While prenups and postnups were once commonly considered harbingers of a doomed marriage, today’s spouses understand the benefits of putting such protections in place.
If you’re ready to consider the advantages of a well-executed prenuptial agreement in Manassas or think a postnuptial agreement is in order, the Manassas family law attorneys at Collins Family Law are ready to provide their experienced legal counsel. Call our Manassas prenup and postnup lawyers today to set up a consultation.
Why Choose Collins Family Law For Your Prenuptial Agreement in Manassas?
Our thoughtful Manassas divorce lawyers understand the sensitive nuances of drafting an enforceable prenuptial agreement in Virginia. We offer the following advantages for your contract:
- Our experienced Manassas prenuptial and postnuptial agreement attorneys are a valuable source of information on Virginia’s laws for the division of assets in a divorce as well as the state’s laws for property inheritance
- Our lawyers are well-versed in creating an enforceable framework for the handling of asset and property issues in the event of a separation, divorce, or death
- We help our clients understand their rights and obligations as half of the marital community before they enter into a marriage
- We identify any potential issues that may arise in the future so you and your spouse can resolve them at the onset of the marriage so they never cause contention
Choosing a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement is always beneficial, but especially so for those with individual assets, inheritances, and legacies for children from a previous marriage.
What Can a Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement Do?
Just as a prenuptial agreement defines the legal obligations and objectives for property and assets in a marriage before it begins, a postnuptial agreement does the same, but after the spouses have entered into marriage. Postnuptial agreements take effect immediately after signing at any point in an existing marriage while a prenuptial agreement only takes effect after the marriage occurs. Both documents do the following:
- Define separate assets for each spouse
- Define property rights for each spouse
- Define obligations for each spouse during the marriage
- Provides an enforceable structure for the division of property in the event of a separation or divorce
- Protects the property interests of children from a previous marriage
- Sets parameters for spousal support in the event of a divorce
- Defines the right to life insurance benefits and inheritance
A prenuptial agreement cannot pre-determine child custody or child support in the event of a future divorce.
Should I Get a Prenuptial Agreement in Manassas?
A thoughtfully written prenuptial agreement is a good idea for any couple entering a marriage but may be especially beneficial under the following circumstances:
- When one or both spouses have significant assets
- If one spouse has significant debts
- If one or both spouses have children from a previous marriage or other dependants
- Small business owners
- If one or both spouses anticipate inheritances or have family heirlooms
- Protecting pet ownership
- A need for other provisions to incentivize or discourage specific behaviors such as gambling or addiction
If you have questions about provisions specific to your situation your Manassas prenuptial and postnuptial lawyer from Collins Family Law can help.
Contact Collins Family Law Today
A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement doesn’t have to be a difficult conversation. Your prenuptial agreement lawyer at Collins Family Law is ready to explain how this legal contract protects both spouses in any eventuality. Call our Manassas prenuptial and postnuptial agreement lawyers today to set up a confidential consultation.