Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are increasing in popularity as couples realize that although diamonds are forever, a marriage may not be. A postnup, also known as a marital contract, is a legal agreement between spouses that sets forth the division of assets. This includes property, debts, jewelry, spousal support, etc. A postnuptial agreement is similar to a prenuptial agreement, except it is signed after marriage. Here are the reasons why you may want to consꩵider one, and how to go about settꦬing one up.

Why Couples Make Postnuptial Contracts

There are a wide variety of reasons why couples enact 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:postnuptial agreements, and they aren't all because they think their spouse will get more than their fair share of assets in a divorce. In fact, people often use a postnuptial agreement to update an existing 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:prenuptial agreement. A major change in the financial status of a spouse may also promꦍpt a couple to enter such a contract.

A few situations can increase the need for a🧜 postnup.

• Stay-at-Home Spouse: A postnuptial agreement can bring peace of mind to a spouse who quits working to raise children. While giving up a career for the sake of the family may be the right thing to do for that family, it also puts the person at a huge financial disadvantage if the marriage fails. The protection of a postnuptial agreement can alleviate concerns about how to recover from years or even decades out of the workforce.
• Wealth Change: A sudden increase in finances is another consideration. For example, if one spouse inherits a family business, it may be important for business continuity that the assets stay in the family. Likewise, if one spouse rises to an important position in a family business, a postnuptial agreement can provide a solid settlement for the other spouse, while safeguarding the family business for the rest of the family members who may be relying on its income.
• Business Success: Similarly, a spouse who starts a business and watches it grow to success may want to protect outside partners and/or the business itself from the potential divorce of any of the partners. 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:Losing half of a business to a spouse who is out for revenge could be devastating to a business that took a lifetime to build. Some private firms are even requiring that their senior executives enter into such agreements as a condition of employment.
• Second Marriage: The increasing number of second marriages also brings a host of potential complications. Childcare, care for older family members, and care for family members with disabilities are issues that must be taken into consideration. If the death of one spouse would place the burden of care on the remaining spouse, a postnup could not only protect the deceased's dependents, but could free the surviving spouse to move forward with their life knowing that all previous obligations have been properly addressed. Spelling out the division of assets in a postnuptial agreement can also avoid difficulties when it comes to splitting the estate with adult children from a prior marriage.
• End Disagreements: Postnuptial agreements can also end arguments about money and bring peace to a troubled marriage. If the two of you simply can't agree on financial priorities, a division of assets can solve smoldering problems and save the day. Separated couples that reunite can also use postnuptial agreements to foster a sense of financial security. 

Some couples are choosing to view postnu🐷ptial agreements as a way to make sure that both parties are taken care of in the event of a divorce.

At the other end of the spectrum, a postnuptial agreement can be used to lay the groundwork for a less contentious and drawn-out🧸 divorce.

How to Broach the Topic

Talking about money is always a challenge. "Honey, I love you. Let's get a postnuptial agreement," is not going to get the conversation started on a positive note. You need to approach the subject carefully. Start by choosing an appropriate location. A quiet place where you will not be interrupted and both people feel comfortable is ideal. Perhaps most important is timing. Asking for a postnuptial agreement in the middle of an argument or on an anniversary is not going to set the right tone for this sensitive discussion.

If you aren't comfortable approaching this subject by yourself, consider enlisting help. A 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:financial advisor or an attorney may be able present the issue from a third-party perspective. Viewing the situation as an addendum to a contract is♒ a perspective that may make the process less emotionally challenging.

The Bottom Line

Rather than an ending, a postnuptial agreement can be a new beginning, enabling you to put the past to rest and 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:eliminating fights about money. To create an agreement that will stand up in court, it must be fair and based on 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:full disclosure. Both parties should consider separate legal counsel when creati🎃ng the agreement. And try to keep your cool during discussions about the contract. It will serve your marriage—and the agreement—well.