Seattle Prenuptial Agreement Attorneys for Your Peace of Mind

Create a Comprehensive Premarital Agreement in Washington

Before a couple gets married, it may be helpful to consider whether a pre-nuptial agreement is necessary. A well-written and well-thought-out pre-nuptial agreement can cover all the essential issues that you and your spouse may face during your marriage and after the marriage ends. At Wakefield Legal, PLLC, we can listen to your needs and help you create a legally binding pre-nuptial agreement that adequately protects your interests.

Why You Should Consider a Prenuptial Agreement

While drafting a pre-nup with an attorney is not the most romantic thing to do before you get married, many couples can actually benefit from having a legal document that outlines all the financial expectations going into a marriage. Marriages often fail due to disagreements on finances, so why not enter your marital union feeling confident that your finances are protected?

If you and your spouse do not have a contract such as a pre-nup and are not able to resolve your differences in a divorce, then decisions may be left up to the courts.

Key Considerations for Women in Prenuptial Agreements

A prenuptial agreement, often referred to as a "prenup," is a legal contract entered into by a couple before they marry or enter a civil partnership. It outlines the division of assets, debts, and other financial matters in the event of divorce. What a woman (or any individual) should ask for in a prenup depends on her specific financial situation, goals, and concerns. Here are some common considerations for what to include in a prenuptial agreement:

• Financial Assets and Debts: The prenup can define what property and debts each spouse is bringing into the marriage and how they will be treated in the event of divorce or separation.
• Division of Marital Property: You can specify how marital assets acquired during the marriage will be divided. This can include homes, investments, businesses, and other shared assets.
• Alimony or Spousal Support: You can outline whether alimony or spousal support will be paid, for how long, and in what amount in the event of a divorce.
• Inheritance and Family Heirlooms: The prenup can address how inheritance and family heirlooms will be treated, ensuring they remain within one family's ownership.
• Business Interests: If one or both spouses own a business, the prenup can establish how the business will be valued, divided, or maintained in case of divorce.
• Retirement Savings: You can detail how retirement accounts (e.g., 401(k), IRAs) and pensions will be divided.
• Legal Fees: Specify how legal fees and court costs will be handled in the event of a divorce.
• Children and Custody: While you can't use a prenup to determine child custody and support, it can address financial aspects, such as how children's education and expenses will be handled.
• Lifestyle Clauses: Some couples include clauses related to lifestyle, such as provisions for where the couple will live, what schools their children will attend, or how household expenses will be managed.
• Infidelity Clauses: While these clauses are less common, some couples include provisions related to infidelity, such as financial penalties for cheating.

It's important to note that prenuptial agreements must be fair and equitable, and they cannot be used to waive or limit child custody, child support, or other legal rights. 

The content of a prenup should be customized to suit the couple's specific needs, financial situation, and future goals. It's essential to have open and honest discussions with your partner and consult with an experienced prenup agreement attorney to draft a prenup that meets both parties' needs while complying with legal requirements.

Contact Our Seattle Prenuptial Lawyers Today

If you are interested in drafting a pre-nuptial agreement, or if you would like to discuss whether a pre-nup is in your interest at this time, feel free to contact our Seattle prenup attorneys. We can listen to your concerns, evaluate your family law situation, and advise you on whether a pre-nup or another type of marital contract can work in your favor.

We provide reasonable rates and are always accessible to our clients. Call us for a team of compassionate, aggressive & discreet advocates.