Getting a prenuptial agreement isn’t the most popular option when it comes to planning a wedding. Some people consider prenuptial agreements to be a signal that the prospective newlyweds are not serious about their marital vows. Others think that a prenuptial agreement is unnecessary because the spouses don’t have substantial assets. However, there are many reasons why a prenuptial agreement is a good idea.
If you are trying to decide whether a prenuptial agreement is appropriate in your case, you should speak with an experienced Spokane prenuptial agreement lawyer about the pros and cons of entering such an agreement. At Twyford Law Office, we have more than 30 years of legal experience representing married couples and families in Spokane. Our legal team is dedicated to helping you make sure you understand the legal and practical implications of getting a prenuptial agreement so you can reach an informed decision on the matter.
Call Twyford Law Office at (509) 327-0777 today for more information about prenuptial agreements.
Prenuptial Agreements in Washington State
Under Washington law, prospective spouses are generally free to enter into a premarital agreement. A prenuptial agreement, also known as a prenup or premarital agreement, is defined as an agreement between spouses regarding the division of property in the event the marriage is terminated by divorce or death. Spouses can also enter into a similar agreement after they get married, known as a postnuptial or postmarital agreement. Unlike standard contracts, a valid prenuptial agreement must be fair and reasonable and does not require the payment of legal consideration to bind the parties to its terms legally.
A fair and reasonable prenuptial agreement addresses the following factors:
Whether the rights and obligations are proportional between the parties, rather than one-sided
Whether there are restrictions on the creation of community property
Whether the agreement prohibits the distribution of separate property at divorce
Whether the agreement limits inheritance and the nature of such limitations
Whether provisions prohibit spousal maintenance
Whether there are limitations on acquiring separate property
The financial conditions of each spouse
Although there aren’t many formalities for a valid prenuptial agreement, it is still recommended that the parties seek legal advice from a licensed attorney about how such an agreement will impact their legal rights.
We can help you with the following issues regarding prenuptial agreements:
Preparing prenuptial agreements
Preparing provision regarding community property and separate property
Ensuring bilateral rights to important provisions
Amending premarital agreements after marriage
Discussing the pros and cons of certain provisions in prenuptial agreements
It is important that you and your soon-to-be spouse have an adequate understanding of the rights and obligations that a prenuptial agreement creates. A prenuptial agreement is particularly helpful when one or both spouses have had a previous marriage involving minor children. A prenuptial agreement has the potential of saving the couple thousands of dollars in legal fees in the event of divorce.
Consult Our Attorneys at Twyford Law Office Today
If you are interested in learning more about how a prenuptial agreement could potentially benefit your and the specific circumstances of your marriage, you should contact a Spokane prenuptial agreement attorney at Twyford Law Office. We will guide through each step of the legal process.
