Beverly Hills Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer

Beverly Hills Prenuptial Agreement Lawyers Help Clients & Their Families Prepare for Their Future

In a city well-known for its wealth and opulence, Beverly Hills prenuptial agreements are often essential for many residents. Some people may be hesitant to press for these legal contracts, worried that it might make them appear unromantic or like they are planning for divorce. At Benefield Faulk Law, we understand all the feelings that come along with creating a prenuptial agreement. A Beverly Hills prenuptial agreement lawyer from our firm can provide critical guidance for your unique situation.

Marriage is a sacred bond between two people. It is also a legally binding contract with potential financial pitfalls if the once happy union ends in divorce. This is where a prenuptial agreement could end up saving you from future financial ruin. Who gets the house? Will one spouse pay alimony to the other spouse? What happens to assets obtained prior to marriage? While getting married is meant to be a joyous time in a person’s life, it is no excuse to throw smart financial planning to the wind. With a prenuptial agreement lawyer, couples can create a legally recognized document to answer the big questions of property and asset division, spousal support, and other concerns should the marriage end in divorce.

What is a Prenuptial Agreement?

A prenuptial agreement is a legal document a couple agrees to before marrying. The document outlines important information regarding how property, assets, and debts will be handled should the marriage end in divorce. The document may also specify spousal support (alimony) details.

It may also be used to establish the roles and responsibilities of each spouse within the marriage. With the help of an experienced premarital agreement lawyer, this document can be created to afford both spouses more confidence and security before entering a marriage.

Do I Need a Prenuptial Agreement?

If you are coming into a marriage with considerable financial status or multiple assets, the idea of prenuptial agreements may be a given. It just makes sense to protect your hard-earned success from future losses. What if you don’t have considerable wealth and assets?

Do you still need a premarital agreement in place? Many people assume prenuptial agreements are only for rich people, but it is a document meant for anyone concerned about how assets will be handled in a divorce. Other people are worried asking for a premarital agreement will make it seem like they don’t have faith in the marriage succeeding from the start. It’s important to remember that a prenuptial agreement is meant to protect assets and prevent a divorce from turning ugly since there will be clear expectations, which means a prenuptial agreement could be seen as a sign of love.

Sparing your spouse the headache of fighting in court over the house or paying alimony in a divorce is always a good reason to consider a prenuptial agreement. Even if you are unsure if a premarital agreement is right for your financial situation and relationship, it may be worth talking it over with prenuptial agreement lawyers. They will likely have insights into how a prenuptial agreement may best fit your situational needs.

Are There Different Types of Prenuptial Agreements?

While a prenuptial agreement is basically a document, there may be different clauses. For example, there may be what is called a “sunset clause” in a premarital agreement. This clause would terminate a prenuptial agreement after a certain date chosen by the couple. There is also an “escalator clause,” which stipulates that if one spouse has a significant increase in income or assets during the marriage, the other spouse will have an increase in support or assets in the event of divorce. With the help of a skilled prenuptial agreement lawyer, couples can create a document that works best for their situation and wishes.

Is a Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer Worth the Cost?

When considering the cost of a fancy wedding, adding one more cost to the bottom line may feel overwhelming. However, the potential financial impacts down the line of skipping a prenuptial agreement lawyer may be even greater than anticipated. In some states, in order for a prenuptial agreement to be a legally binding document, there needs to be a witness of legal counsel.

Aside from making the document legitimate and able to hold up years later in a court of law, prenuptial agreement lawyers will also answer questions, make sure all the necessary legalities are followed and be there for clients every step of the way. Without an experienced prenuptial agreement lawyer, you may find yourself losing property and assets as well as paying alimony in the divorce.

A prenuptial agreement simply provides more peace of mind about the future, especially when a family attorney in Beverly Hills is there to make the process even easier with their legal experience.

Reasons Why a Prenuptial Agreement Might Be Right for You

In Beverly Hills, where the median household income stands around $127,979, establishing a prenuptial agreement can be wise. It can protect you and your loved ones from certain disputes, should a divorce or separation ever take place. There are several reasons why a prenuptial agreement could be established in Beverly Hills, including:

• Owning a business. One of the most important reasons for creating a prenuptial agreement is owning or having an interest in a business. If you own a business, your prenuptial agreement should include the following elements:
  • The value of the business on the date of your marriage
  • How much of the business each party has a claim to
  • Each of the parties’ interests in the profits or losses of the company
  • The method of valuation to handle the business in the event of a divorce
• Having an inheritance. California operates as a community property state, meaning that whatever property one spouse obtains during the marriage belongs to both parties. However, this does not include any inheritances. In a prenuptial agreement, you can state that any inheritances received will not be up for division, should a divorce occur.
• Blending families. If you have children from a previous marriage or relationship, they stand to lose out financially if their parents undergo another divorce. If you find yourself starting over financially, so are your children. The establishment of a prenuptial agreement can protect your child’s future.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Have a Lawyer Write a Prenup?

A: How much it may cost to have a lawyer assist you in establishing a prenuptial agreement can vary. There are several variables often involved in the creation of these legal documents, which can impact the final costs. These include the complexity and duration of the case, the types of assets involved in the agreement, and the experience of your lawyer.

Q: What Terms Are Not Permitted in a Prenuptial Agreement?

A: Some terms cannot be included in a prenuptial agreement, as they are considered to be unenforceable by the courts and state law. The most common of these terms includes child custody. You cannot include any provisions regarding the custody of any shared minor children within your prenuptial agreement in California.

Q: What Questions Should I Prepare to Ask My Prenuptial Agreement Attorney?

A: During your initial consultation with a prenuptial agreement attorney, there are several questions you should be prepared to discuss with them. These can include:

• Will my premarital agreement work to protect my children?
• What are the pros and cons of establishing a prenuptial agreement?
• What can my prenuptial agreement cover?

Q: How Can I Challenge a Prenuptial Agreement?

A: There are several legal grounds on which an individual can challenge the validity of a prenuptial agreement. These include:

• The agreement was created under coercion.
• The documents were forged.
• The agreement was incorrectly witnessed.
• There was fraud or misrepresentation present in either spouse’s financial disclosures.
• The agreement was unfair or unreasonable to one of the parties.

Speak With a Trusted Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer in Beverly Hills Today

Do you need a prenuptial agreement? We’re here to help you make the right choice for your needs. Skilled prenuptial agreement attorneys can save you money and headaches in the future. Contact us at (310) 271-7675 today to get started.