A Bellevue marital agreements lawyer could assist you with developing and executing a contract that protects your rights and puts you on equal footing with your current or future spouse. Let our skilled family attorneys at Twyford Law Office help you get the most out of your agreement.
You can find a number of viable marital agreements under Washington law. The state recognizes options for married couples, those engaged to be wed, or individuals who got married decades ago. Each of these contracts sets out certain property rights that would otherwise have to be resolved through divorce litigation should the couple ever break up.
The most common type of marital contract is the prenuptial agreement. These contracts are signed by two people engaged to be married before their union is formalized. Each agreement can cover a wide range of issues, from identifying individual property to setting a reasonable amount of spousal support in the case of divorce. Both parties must fully disclose their financial situation and refrain from any acts of coercion during this process.
Postnuptial agreements are virtually the same as prenups—with one important difference. These contracts are signed between two married spouses as opposed to executing them before a wedding.
Postnuptial agreements cover all of the standard issues that might come up during a divorce, including spousal support or property division. Some couples opt to sign these agreements because one party has accumulated substantial debt, or they can be used to set the stage for a divorce. No matter the reason, a marital agreements lawyer in Bellevue could assist with drafting a postnuptial agreement.
Not all marital contracts are designed for people who are currently or plan to be married. Living together while unmarried has grown increasingly common, and there are contractual agreements that can be helpful in those cases. One example is the cohabitation agreement.
These contracts are recognized by the courts and are legally binding. They allow two people who live together to set ground rules and guidelines. The document might spell out how joint or separate bank accounts will be handled or identify who is liable for debts incurred by both parties. If the co-signors own a home together, this type of contract can determine what will be done with that property in the event of separation.
Cohabitation agreements are binding so long as the parties sign and notarize them. Both parties must also enter this agreement free from fraud and with full financial disclosure from the other party.
Couples who feel their relationship is on the rocks have other options outside of divorce. In Washington, there is also a process known as legal separation. When spouses separate instead of divorce, they negotiate issues like child custody and support even though they remain married.
There are different reasons why two people might separate. They might go this route because of their religious beliefs or as a precursor to divorce. While two people can choose to live apart any time they want, legal separation involves a consent decree that determines important issues like child support, visitation, and the division of marital assets. It is often possible to negotiate terms with the help of a Bellevue marital agreements attorney.
For many people, a marital contract is a way to set expectations for a current or future relationship. With the help of strong legal counsel, it is often possible to reach an agreement that includes fair terms. Contact a Bellevue marital agreements lawyer at Twyford Law Office to learn more.