We Had No Time For A Prenup Before Our Wedding, Is there Such A Thing As A Postnuptial Agreement? Postnuptial Agreements In Chicago Explained
The happy and blissful time of a couple’s engagement period and the rushed frenzy as a couple heads towards the aisle and celebrations of their nuptials with friends and family may not be an ideal time for many couples to discuss entering into a prenuptial agreement. A prenuptial agreement is often seen as a sensitive topic for a couple to discuss, and there is a misconception in the media and movies that prenuptial agreements are all about power and control, mistrust, or “cutting” someone out of assets that should be shared. In reality, prenuptial agreements may just be a smart and reasonable choice for couples. A prenuptial agreement is, simply put, just a contract between the couple that sets forth the terms of who-gets-what and other important terms, in the case that the marriage ultimately goes south. In that way, a prenuptial agreement can provide both certainty to a couple about what will happen if the marriage becomes broken beyond repair. A prenuptial agreement can also keep legal costs down, since it seeks to avoid a contentious and drawn-out dissolution of the marriage process. But what happens if a couple just doesn’t have time, forgets, or doesn’t think about a prenuptial agreement as an option before saying “I do”? Chicago couples who are interested in defining their rights in the case of a divorce after getting married still have options.
Postnuptial Agreements in Chicago
At the outset, a postnuptial agreement is very similar to a prenuptial agreement, with the difference being that a prenuptial agreement is made prior to a couple getting married, and a postnuptial agreement is made after the couple has already legally wed. Postnuptial agreements often include terms regarding assets, but can also include other terms that a couple may want, such as each spouse’s responsibilities during the marriage. Indeed, couples can get creative with a postnuptial agreement and have the liberty to even include terms regarding chore obligations, how issues of fidelity and in-laws will be managed, and other terms regarding marital conduct. A postnuptial agreement may even be a step a couple considers if they are experiencing marital problems, and want to redefine, or more clearly define, their marriage in an attempt to make it work. Although a postnuptial agreement may not make sense for many couples, couples that may want to consider a postnuptial agreement in Chicago include those where one spouse has a high net-worth, if there is a business involved in the marriage, if there are children in the marriage from a previous relationship, or if one spouse will soon receive a high value gift, such as an inheritance.
Help with Your Postnuptial Agreement in Chicago
If you are in Chicago and you would like to speak with an experienced Chicago postnuptial agreements lawyer, contact the experienced Chicago postnuptial agreements lawyers at the law firm Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux, LLC. The experienced Chicago postnuptial agreements lawyers at Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux, LLC offer a confidential consultation to learn about your case and to see if they can help. Contact Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux, LLC and learn about your rights today.
