{"id":2927,"date":"2024-04-12T10:10:43","date_gmt":"2024-04-12T14:10:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/?p=2927"},"modified":"2024-04-16T09:10:06","modified_gmt":"2024-04-16T13:10:06","slug":"prenuptial-agreements-part-of-your-wedding-planning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/?p=2927","title":{"rendered":"Prenuptial Agreements: should one be part of your wedding planning?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>With wedding season right around the corner, it is important to consider one aspect of wedding planning that many couples overlook or find distasteful: a prenuptial agreement.  As couples are marrying later in life or embarking upon a second marriage, it is reasonable to expect that assets and debts have come into being.  A prenuptial agreement can address how those premarital assets and liabilities will be addressed if the marriage breaks down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding Prenuptial Agreements<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>A prenuptial agreement, commonly referred to as a \u201cprenup,\u201d is a legal contract entered into by a couple before they marry. This document outlines how assets and debts will be handled in the event of a divorce, separation, or death. While discussing a prenup may not be the most romantic aspect of wedding planning, it\u2019s a practical step that can provide clarity and protection for both parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Prenup?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At its core, a prenup establishes the property and financial rights of each spouse in the unfortunate event that the marriage ends. Preparing a prenuptial agreement is analogous to preparing a will and related estate planning documents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Needs a Prenup?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Contrary to popular belief, prenups aren\u2019t just for the wealthy. Prenups can be helpful for small\/family business owners and anyone looking to add a degree of clarity and certainty in the unfortunate event of a divorce. This includes individuals with significant debts, those who own a business, and those who want to safeguard inheritances or personal assets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does a Prenup Cover?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A prenup can cover a variety of issues, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Asset Distribution<\/strong>: How property and assets will be divided.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Debt Allocation<\/strong>: How debts will be handled and who will be responsible for them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spousal Support<\/strong>: If alimony will be paid, and if so, the terms of those payments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Business Protection<\/strong>: How a business owned by one spouse will be treated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there are limitations. In New Jersey, a prenup cannot address issues of custody, parenting time, or child support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Get a Prenup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Obtaining a prenup typically involves the following steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Discussion<\/strong>: Both parties should openly discuss their financial situations and expectations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legal Representation<\/strong>: Each party should have their own attorney to ensure their interests are represented.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drafting<\/strong>: The prenup should be drafted, outlining all agreed-upon terms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Review and Sign<\/strong>: Both parties should review the document carefully before signing.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While the thought of a prenup may bring discomfort, it\u2019s a strategic move that can prevent future stress and conflict. By setting clear expectations and protections, a prenup can actually strengthen the foundation of a marriage, ensuring that both parties enter the union with a mutual understanding of their financial partnership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>I hope this article provides a clear overview of prenuptial agreements and their importance. If you\u2019re considering a prenup, it\u2019s advisable to consult with a legal professional to understand the specific laws and requirements in your state.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With wedding season right around the corner, it is important to consider one aspect of wedding planning that many couples overlook or find distasteful: a prenuptial agreement. As couples are marrying later in life or embarking upon a second marriage, &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/?p=2927\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2931,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false},"categories":[28],"tags":[6,29,32,184,197,51,196],"class_list":["post-2927","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-durstfirm-news","tag-business-2","tag-divorce","tag-durst","tag-marriage","tag-money","tag-prenup","tag-wedding"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/pexels-photo-2253870.jpeg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p6omM8-Ld","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":927,"url":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/?p=927","url_meta":{"origin":2927,"position":0},"title":"NJ Legislature and Senator Scutari continue to attack divorcing NJ Women","author":"Sandy Durst","date":"October 16, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In a proposed bill (\u00a0http:\/\/www.njleg.state.nj.us\/2012\/Bills\/S2500\/2151_I1.HTM) that is being sponsored in the NJ Senate by Senator Scutari and which has recently been endorsed by the Assembly Judiciary committee, the viability of previously entered into premarital or prenuptial agreements is at risk.\u00a0 This bill follows the Senator's attack on palimony which\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Durst Firm News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Durst Firm News","link":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/?cat=28"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2191,"url":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/?p=2191","url_meta":{"origin":2927,"position":1},"title":"Can I keep the engagement ring if we break up?","author":"Sandy Durst","date":"May 19, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Can I keep the ring if we break up? An engagement ring is both a symbol of love and a significant investment\/asset. As a divorce attorney, I am often asked what happens to the ring in the event the relationship ends. Can the woman keep the ring or can her\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Durst Firm News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Durst Firm News","link":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/?cat=28"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2640,"url":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/?p=2640","url_meta":{"origin":2927,"position":2},"title":"Can I keep the engagement ring if we break up?","author":"Sandy Durst","date":"October 25, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Can I keep the ring if we break up? An engagement ring is both a symbol of love and a significant investment\/asset. As a divorce attorney, I am often asked what happens to the ring in the event the relationship ends. Can the woman keep the ring or can her\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Durst Firm News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Durst Firm News","link":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/?cat=28"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2861,"url":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/?p=2861","url_meta":{"origin":2927,"position":3},"title":"Understanding NJ Alimony Law","author":"Sandy Durst","date":"February 28, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Alimony is a major issue in many of the divorce cases we handle? Questions we often get deal with whether alimony is appropriate, how much can alimony be, and how long will alimony be paid? This post is intended to provide a basic overview of NJ alimony law. Alimony, also\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Durst Firm News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Durst Firm News","link":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/?cat=28"},"img":{"alt_text":"dollar-currency-money-us-dollar-47344.jpeg","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thedurstfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/dollar-currency-money-us-dollar-47344-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thedurstfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/dollar-currency-money-us-dollar-47344-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thedurstfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/dollar-currency-money-us-dollar-47344-1.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thedurstfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/dollar-currency-money-us-dollar-47344-1.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thedurstfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/dollar-currency-money-us-dollar-47344-1.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thedurstfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/dollar-currency-money-us-dollar-47344-1.jpeg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2998,"url":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/?p=2998","url_meta":{"origin":2927,"position":4},"title":"Dividing retirement assets in a divorce","author":"Sandy Durst","date":"April 23, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Dividing Retirement Assets in Divorce: Key Legal Insights When couples divorce, dividing retirement assets is often one of the most significant and complicated parts of the property settlement. For family law practitioners, understanding the legal framework and potential pitfalls is essential to protecting clients' financial interests. Marital vs. Separate Property\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Durst Firm News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Durst Firm News","link":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/?cat=28"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thedurstfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/qtq80-cEyKZV.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thedurstfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/qtq80-cEyKZV.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thedurstfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/qtq80-cEyKZV.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thedurstfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/qtq80-cEyKZV.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thedurstfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/qtq80-cEyKZV.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3047,"url":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/?p=3047","url_meta":{"origin":2927,"position":5},"title":"What is an &#8220;uncontested&#8221; divorce?","author":"Sandy Durst","date":"November 15, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"What Is an Uncontested Divorce in New Jersey? Divorce can be emotionally taxing and financially draining\u2014but not every divorce has to be a drawn-out courtroom battle. In New Jersey, many couples resolve their marriage dissolution through an uncontested divorce, a more amicable and efficient alternative to traditional litigation. Here\u2019s what\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Durst Firm News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Durst Firm News","link":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/?cat=28"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2927","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2927"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2927\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2944,"href":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2927\/revisions\/2944"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2931"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2927"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2927"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedurstfirm.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2927"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}