Why You Need a Prenuptial Agreement in California

According to most financial experts, almost everyone needs a prenuptial agreement before they enter into the marriage contract. It may not sound romantic but it is a practical and realistic way to approach the prickly subject of finances. With a divorce rate hovering around 50 percent, many marriages will fail and, once they do, contentions can easily arise between divorcing couples which can lead to protracted and expensive courtroom battles. Money problems are well-known as a leading stress in marriages which can result in divorce. A prenuptial agreement will force engaged couples to confront and disclose important facts and realities about how to deal with financial matters should it become necessary due to divorce or the death of either party.

In today's society, most husbands and wives work, contributing to the family's finances, which means both have a stake in how assets and debts will be divided. Furthermore, in second or subsequent marriages, couples may have children from previous marriages, aging parents, or other beneficiaries whom they wish to ensure are financially supported in any eventuality. Because California is a community property state, those who don't want to have a totally equal division of marital property and / or debts will need a prenuptial agreement that will stand up in court. Such an agreement, which may cost less than half the price of the average engagement ring, can avert submitting one's financial distribution to the decisions of a judge in the divorce process.

Family Law Firm in Culver City, California

In order to ensure its validity, your prenuptial agreement should be properly executed so that it is not denied by the courts. Both parties will need to have separate legal counsel in order to ensure that the agreement is proper and legal. The divorce and family law firm of Widger & Widger, APLC offers competent and trusted legal representation for this matter, as well as divorce and other family law issues, to those in and around the Culver City area. The firm's attorneys have more than 18 years of combined legal experience in the field of family law and with the local courts which hear family law cases.

If you are engaged or about to get engaged, learn how a prenuptial agreement can help you. Contact the firm to schedule a free, initial consultation with an attorney skilled in creating these agreements.