With little time and a lot to do before the wedding, many Georgia couples fail to consider their options for a prenuptial agreement, which can provide them with multiple benefits and protections. For Texas couples who own property or have high value assets, the property division process of divorce can be grueling without such an agreement in place. Fortunately, there are postnuptial agreements that also can provide protection, only after the wedding.
According to one recent report, the recent ruling of the Supreme Court to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) may lead to an increase in both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Already the use of postnuptial agreements has been on the rise. From 2009 to 2012, 51 percent of lawyers reported an increase in postnuptial agreements.
Like a prenuptial agreement, a postnuptial agreement offers protection of property and assets for each individual. These agreements can be especially useful to couples who are anticipating an inheritance for one spouse, who simply did not have time to go through the process before the wedding and for couples who do not want their divorce to be tedious. These agreements can help couples focus on their family and best interests during a divorce, rather than arguing over financial matters.
Georgia couples, before and after the wedding, likely want to protect themselves and the assets that they have worked hard to acquire. Property division during divorce is one of the most complex and emotionally challenging issues that couples can face. Fortunately, with the right channels of support and experience, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements can alleviate much of the stress and allow couples to focus on what really matters.
Source: NBC News, “If you ran out of time for a prenup agreement, try a postnup,” Kelley Holland, July 5, 2013