Why Should You Sign a Prenuptial Agreement?

Prenuptial agreements define the essential binding terms in case of dissolution of the marriage. While prenuptial agreements may seem totally unnecessary during the romantic phase of your relationship, here are the top reasons why you need a prenuptial agreement before getting married.

Makes Settlements much Easier

A prenuptial agreement covers pretty much all facets of a marriage except for limitations relating to child support or child custody. Agreement terms defined before the wedding are much easier to follow and finalise when an agreement is drawn in order to avoid long legal battles during a divorce. It is important that both parties get their own legal council before signing a prenuptial agreement.

Helps Segregate Debt Obligations

The most common reason for doing prenuptial agreements is to determine a common ground regarding ownership of assets and financial liabilities. Prenuptial agreements may be used to segregate assets, debt obligations, credit card payments and sharing of expenses towards loans and other investments that are made after the marriage.

Helps Avoid any Unexpected Surprises

Prenuptial agreements save you from any unexpected surprises and provide a clear understanding of the potential consequences in case the marriage ends. It allows you to maintain separate ownership of items you owned prior to marriage so that they will not be divided in the event of a divorce. It also helps couples to know which items are jointly owned when they purchase properties or make other investments together.

Helps Protect Children from the Previous Marriage

Couples entering a marriage for the second time often opt to sign a prenuptial agreement. Clauses pertaining to responsibilities, obligations and distribution of assets to children from previous marriages can be added to the agreement. This ensures that children are well protected against any changes in assets from their parents.  

Prenuptial agreements are not just a way of declaring the ownership of family properties and assets after a divorce. A well-crafted prenuptial agreement written with a help of certified family law specialist in California helps determine your role and your responsibilities in a marriage.

Successful Co-parenting: Back to School Tips for Divorced Parents

Successful co-parenting need not be an oxymoron if the divorced individuals display self restraint and maturity. There may be many instances that may test a parent’s patience and is likely to become a battleground. Getting back to school after the summer holidays is one such instance. Here are a few tips to help co-parents manage the back to school routine successfully:

•    When in doubt, refer to the settlement order regarding parenting plan:

Issues concerning parenting responsibilities are discussed in detail in the divorce order. Make sure that you refer to the parenting plan before you raise an issue with your ex-spouse. Consulting these documents is likely to solve many issues.

•    Check your ego at the door:

Most co-parenting issues including school-related problems can be sorted if both or either of the parents decides to let go of their ego. Sometimes you may not agree with your ex-spouse’s view on things, but if it does not harm your child’s interest, it is alright to let go. The ex-spouse is also your child’s parent and would only want the best for him/her.

•    Plan everything in detail:

Sit with your ex to plan activities for the entire academic year. This includes planning about school breaks, weekends, co-curricular and extracurricular activities. Things may not always go as planned, but at least you have a general idea about who does what and when. This also allows time to plan other related aspects.

If problems creep in despite your best effort to keep things amiable, take a step back and think- ‘what’s in the best interest of my child’ or hire a certified family law specialist in California. I’m sure the answer to this question would solve almost every issue.