Congratulations. You have popped the question and are planning to get married. Or maybe you are a Texas couple who has already tied the knot. Either way, the thought may have occurred to you that perhaps a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement might be a good idea.
If you’re considering such a document, it is wise to approach the question from the right perspective from the outset. And what might that proper perspective be? We would offer that it should be one framed by the word “concern.”
Many believe that marriage agreements of any kind are anathema to a happy union. But consider that marriage is by definition a contract. There are a lot of facets that need to be addressed for it any relationship to work. A comprehensive approach is required, and where that is the case, things can get complicated.
By engaging in the process of crafting a pre marital or post marital agreement at the beginning of your lives together, you are displaying sincere concern for each other. Everyone comes to a relationship with different elements in play.
By working with an attorney on a formal contract, the two sides are able to enter an environment colored by amicability and reason, rather than the anger and animosity that may well arise in the event of dissolution.
The focus is on the two of you and your individual interests. The process also requires an openness and commitment to full disclosure in order for the final product to be valid should it ever be executed. It not only offers you the chance to protect personal assets you each may bring to the table, but also makes it possible to protect each other from being obliged for each others’ personal debts.
Now you see why we consider sincere concern for the other as being the right attitude when considering marriage contracts of any kind.
