| Prenups are strange in that those who are mature enough to get them, probably don't need them, and those who aren't, do need them. If I had my way, prenups would be a mandatory requisite for anyone applying for a marriage licence. Here's why. On Maturity, Frankness, Honesty & Disclosure::
I'll call the decision to get married, Peak Love. You are about to spend a chunk of money on a party, so I'm thinking you are pretty loved up. This is the time to be having the hard conversations. I can almost guarantee that if you are not able to agree on what happens in the event of a divorce at this time, there is no way you're going to agree once you decide to divorce. As other posters have indicated too, both parties are forced to disclose their financial positions. No more "oops, I forgot to mention my $100k in credit card debt" conversations once you're already married. Divorces can be messy and acrimonous. With a lot of bitterness, anger, and all the other emotions that will make what should be a rational discussion seem like a Mid East peace negotiation summit. And once you go guns hot, it can get very very expensive very quickly. Cost is totally worth it::
Even allowing for the fact that your marriage will never fail, the fact that there is a non trivial chance it will, makes the cost of lawyering up for a pre nup totally worth it. Put slightly differently .... Prenup lawyers are cheaper than divorce lawyers. Especially if the other side decides to get nasty. |