In years past, many people viewed prenuptial agreements as a bad thing or a potentially ill omen. People who opted for them got labeled pessimistic, and some spouses even fought with one another over having them.
These days, more people view them as an important and smart investment in financial security. But what exactly are these agreements, and what benefits do they really have?
Why did people avoid prenuptial agreements?
The State of Connecticut Judicial Branch Law Libraries discuss premarital agreements. These agreements essentially allow spouses to figure out how they want to divide their assets, property, debt and more in the event that they divorce.
In the past, people viewed it as a superstition, i.e. people who got prenuptial agreements were likely inviting divorce into their lives. Others viewed it as a sign that the person who wanted the agreement did not have strong faith in the relationship.
What benefits do they have?
These days, many people acknowledge the fact that sometimes, relationships just come to an end. In the heat of the moment, it is also difficult to fairly sort through property division. Thus, it is simply a smart idea to figure out the details of these issues during peaceful times, when both spouses can think clearly without their emotions clouding their opinions or actions.
Prenuptial agreements are enormously beneficial for that reason. It helps couples plan out how they want things divided in advance, which also lets them skip the messy and lengthy process of property division in the event of a divorce.
It can also allow these couples to address potentially complex situations easily, such as dealing with blended families that have multiple children from previous marriages. Thus, it is a worthwhile option to consider.