A prenuptial agreement, also known as a premarital agreement, is a way to protect your assets if your pending marriage ends in divorce. Couples who have significant assets or expect to receive significant assets during the marriage often create prenuptial agreements. However, even if your assets are limited, it is well worth considering a premarital agreement. For example, if you own property, a business, or have children from another relationship, you should consider consulting with a Chicago prenuptial agreement attorney prior to your marriage. Such an agreement may save you from future attorney fees if your marriage were to end — and it could save the remnants of your relationship and assist you in parting ways amicably.
To learn more about creating a premarital agreement, contact Hammer Serna & Quinn, LLC, to set up an initial consultation.
Prenuptial agreements are basically contractual agreements between two people outlining the process to be followed should they divorce at some time in the future. These agreements are generally honored by Illinois courts. However, under Illinois law, prenuptial agreements cannot cover child support or parental responsibility issues, including attorney fees that are part of a parental responsibility or support battle. For example, the agreement cannot dictate how much one spouse must pay in child support or determine future parenting time schedules. These decisions must always be based on what is in the child’s best interest rather than what the parents desire.
Premarital agreements can address only financial issues, such as:
Your Chicago premarital agreement attorney can assist you in creating a prenuptial agreement that meets your goals and is enforceable in court. If your future spouse has requested or presented you with a prenuptial agreement, we can help you ensure that the terms are fair and your rights will be adequately protected.
Prenuptial agreements can protect your future in the event of a divorce, especially if you own high-value assets, a business, or multiple properties. But even if you have modest assets, a prenuptial agreement can be beneficial by helping you avoid costly litigation and disputes if divorce does occur.
While some individuals may fear that asking their future spouse to sign a prenuptial agreement means they are anticipating a split, the truth is that these agreements can provide security and peace of mind for both spouses. Knowing what to expect if you do separate can ease the fear and tension of entering into marriage and allow you to focus on the relationship, not the potential consequences.
Prenuptial agreements can be an important tool for protecting your interests and financial future if you and your spouse decide to divorce. To learn more about how a skilled Chicago prenuptial agreement attorney can assist you, contact us today to request a confidential consultation.
Call or email Hammer Serna & Quinn, LLC today to schedule a consultation.