Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are often considered taboo topics for couples. However, these legal contracts can protect your financial interests and reduce conflict in the event of divorce or death. An Upper Marlboro marital agreements lawyer can help you evaluate your financial situation and priorities to create a prenup or postnup that meets the needs of both partners.
Discussing a marital agreement may feel uncomfortable, but working with a trusted family law attorney can help you navigate these sensitive conversations with clarity and professionalism.
What Is a Marital Agreement?
A marital agreement is a legally binding contract signed by a couple that outlines how their assets and debts will be divided in the event of a divorce or death. Agreements signed before marriage are called prenuptial agreements, while those signed after marriage are postnuptial agreements.
Couples can tailor their agreement based on their unique circumstances, often covering topics such as:
- Ownership of property
- Division of assets and debts
- Spousal support
To be legally valid in Maryland, marital agreements must:
- Be in writing
- Be fair and reasonable to both parties
- Be entered into voluntarily by both spouses
- Include full disclosure of each party’s assets and debts
Benefits of a Marital Agreement
Marital agreements offer several key benefits during the marriage and in case of divorce. These agreements:
- Create clear expectations for asset division
- Distinguish between individual and marital property
- Help prevent disputes and confusion during divorce proceedings
- Address issues such as spousal support in advance
Marital Agreements and Estate Planning
In addition to divorce protection, marital agreements can serve as effective estate planning tools. They can help:
- Clarify asset division for inheritance
- Support succession planning for family businesses
- Maximize estate tax exemptions
- Potentially avoid probate
The usefulness of these provisions will depend on the couple’s unique goals and circumstances. A skilled Upper Marlboro marital agreements attorney can help draft a document that aligns with your estate planning needs.
How a Lawyer Can Help with Marital Agreements
An attorney serving Largo and Upper Marlboro can assist couples in creating valid, enforceable marital agreements tailored to their needs. This process includes:
- A thorough review of each spouse’s assets and debts
- Individual legal representation for both spouses, if desired
- Ensuring each party fully understands the legal implications of the agreement
A knowledgeable attorney can also help facilitate open and productive conversations between partners, which are essential for drafting nuptial agreements that are fair and acceptable to both.
Contact an Upper Marlboro Marital Agreements Attorney Today
Whether you’re engaged or already married, a well-drafted marital agreement can offer significant protection for your assets and clarify financial matters. It can also serve as a valuable tool in your overall estate plan.
If you’re considering a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, a trusted Upper Marlboro marital agreement lawyer is here to help. Contact Carmiece Graves Law today to schedule a consultation.
