Have you ever thought about what would happen if your marriage ended? While it’s not the most romantic question, it’s an essential one. Research shows that nearly 40% of marriages in the U.S. end in divorce, and many couples are left dealing with lengthy legal battles over finances, assets, and even debts. This is where a prenuptial agreement can help.

At Daniel Ogbeide Law, a leading family law firm in Houston, TX, we specialize in helping engaged couples protect their future with prenuptial agreements. Our team understands that every couple’s situation is unique, and we are here to offer guidance and support. In this blog, we’ll explore the key considerations engaged couples should weigh when deciding whether to ask for a prenuptial agreement.

What is a Prenuptial Agreement?

A prenuptial agreement is a legal document created before marriage that outlines how a couple’s assets, debts, and other financial matters will be handled if the marriage ends in divorce. It can protect both parties and prevent disputes over money and property, which can make a divorce less contentious and less costly.

Key Considerations for Engaged Couples

Before deciding whether a prenuptial agreement is right for you, consider the following factors:

1. Financial Stability

One of the most common reasons couples opt for prenuptial agreements in Houston, TX, is to protect their financial stability. If one or both partners have significant assets, such as a home, investments, or a business, a prenuptial agreement can safeguard these assets in the event of a divorce. Additionally, if one partner has significant debt, a prenup can ensure that debt remains their responsibility.

Consider these questions:

• Do you or your partner have significant assets?
• Do either of you have outstanding debts or loans?
• Will one partner be financially dependent on the other?

2. Future Inheritance

If you or your partner expect to receive an inheritance, a prenuptial agreement can protect those assets. Without a prenup, future inheritances can become part of the marital estate, making them subject to division during a divorce.

3. Personal Values and Expectations

Money is one of the top sources of conflict in marriage. Discussing a prenuptial agreement forces couples to have open and honest conversations about their financial expectations. This process can bring clarity to how both parties view money, spending, saving, and debt.

Ask yourself:

• How do we view and manage money?
• Are we comfortable with the idea of combining or separating our finances?
• How would we handle financial disagreements?

4. Protecting Family Business or Children from Previous Marriages

If either partner owns a family business or has children from a previous relationship, a prenuptial agreement can be crucial. It ensures that the business stays in the family and that children from previous marriages are financially protected, regardless of what happens in the current marriage.

Benefits of a Prenuptial Agreement

• Asset protection:Safeguards personal assets acquired before the marriage.
• Debt protection:Prevents you from being responsible for your spouse’s pre-existing debts.
• Clarity:Establishes clear terms for asset division and financial obligations, reducing potential conflict.
• Business protection:Ensures that business interests are kept separate and protected.

When Should You Consider a Prenup?

Prenuptial agreements are not just for the wealthy. Anyone entering a marriage with assets, debts, or a business interest should consider it. Even if you’re starting your marriage with minimal assets, a prenuptial agreement can protect future earnings or inheritance.

So, should you ask for a prenup? If you’re concerned about protecting your financial future, securing family assets, or preventing future conflicts, the answer is yes. A prenuptial agreement offers peace of mind, ensuring that your marriage starts with clear financial boundaries.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Are you and your partner thinking about securing a prenuptial agreement? At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we specialize in creating prenuptial agreements in Houston, TX, that protect your assets and secure your future. As an experienced prenuptial agreement lawyer in Houston, we’ll help you navigate the complexities of drafting a fair and enforceable prenup.

Contact us today by calling 832-321-7005 to discuss your options. We are here to ensure that you and your partner begin your marriage on solid legal footing, safeguarding your financial well-being. Protect your future—let us help you make an informed decision.