If you and your spouse are a happily married couple, you most likely have thought about what would happen if you decided to split. This may seem like a rather dreary idea, and nobody would blame you for simply brushing it off. However, drafting a postnuptial agreement does not have to be so grim. Like a prenuptial agreement, there are several issues you may address that can help you and your spouse attain, or preserve, peace of mind going forward regarding your financial situation. If you and your spouse agree that a postnuptial agreement may be something worth considering, here are some of the questions you may have:
Why would a couple create a postnuptial agreement?
There are several reasons you may wish to draft a postnuptial agreement, and many of them have nothing to do with an impending split. However, drafting a postnuptial agreement is sometimes a rather touchy subject, and understandably so. This is why you must approach your spouse sensitively and honestly communicate your reasoning for drafting a postnuptial agreement. Some of the many reasons a New York couple may wish to draft a postnuptial agreement are as follows:
- The couple did not define their financial relationship in a prenuptial agreement, and now wish to do so
- A couple seeks to revise or clarify how property and assets will be divided in the event of a divorce
- How marital debts, such as mortgage loans, credit card debt, and more will be divided if a couple should divorce
- Whether one spouse will pay spousal or child support and for how long these payments shall be continued
- A couple is seeking to define each party’s wishes for the property they bought or owned before their marriage
- If one spouse has recently come into a significant amount of money via a job promotion, a large inheritance, won the lottery, etc.
- One spouse may request future support if he or she stopped working to care for children
- Financial insecurity is affecting the stability of a marriage
- One or both parties seek to avoid the stress and expense of the equitable distribution process
- How assets will transfer if either spouse dies during the marriage
How do I know if my New York State postnuptial agreement is valid?
The five primary qualifications for a valid prenuptial agreement are as follows:
- The terms must be “fair and reasonable” to both parties
- Both parties must have a reasonable amount of time to reach a thoughtful decision regarding whether or not they should sign the agreement
- There must be no evidence of manipulation or deceit by either party
- Each party must retain separate legal counsel, or explicitly waive their right to counsel in writing
- The financial status of each party and any of the assets discussed in the agreement must be fully and accurately disclosed
Contact our Suffolk County firm
Matters of divorce and family law should be navigated with the guidance of an experienced attorney. If you need strong legal representation regarding matters of divorce, family law, and estate law, contact the Law Offices of Susan A. Kassel, P.C. to schedule a consultation today.
