Alpharetta Marital Agreements Lawyer
Marital agreements consist of both postnuptial and prenuptial agreements. Although these agreements are not necessary for every married couple, they are helpful, especially when the parties – either independently or together – own large amounts of property or assets.
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements prescribe how the spouses will divide their properties and assets in the event of a divorce, legal separation, or the death of one of the spouses. Couples draft and sign a prenuptial agreement before they marry. They sign a postnuptial agreement once they have entered the marriage.
In addition, marital agreements can also include plans for alimony, business interests, bank accounts, retirement accounts, debts, future gifts, and future inheritances. An Alpharetta marital agreements lawyer can help you and your spouse (or potential spouse) draft a comprehensive agreement that addresses all of your concerns. Let one of our well-versed family law attorneys help protect your interests.
Why Draft a Marital Agreement?
Marital agreements can be extremely beneficial in the long run and can save time and money for everyone involved. When it comes to marital property, an agreement can override equitable distribution rules and prescribe which spouse gets what in the event of a divorce or separation. Similarly, a well-worded agreement can lay out the type, amount, and duration of any alimony payments post-divorce.
Often, couples acquire large monetary assets – as well as debts – over the course of their marriage. A marital agreement can expressly state which party will receive the money or take responsibility for the debt following a divorce. Monetary assets can also include bank accounts and retirement accounts, including a 403(b), 401(k), or traditional IRA. Courts generally enforce marital agreements which are drafted in good faith and are not overly unfair to one party.
Standards for Writing and Modifying Agreements
An effective and well-drafted marital agreement can save a lot of pain in the event of a divorce or the death of a spouse. Effective Alpharetta marital agreements generally possess the following traits:
- The agreement is in writing and both parties sign the agreement
- Both parties are of the proper age
- Neither party is mentally incapacitated and understands what they are signing
- Both parties sign the agreement of their own free will
- Each party fully and completely discloses all of their assets and liabilities to the other
- The agreement is not unconscionable or manifestly unjust to one party
- The agreement does not violate any state law
Alpharetta marital agreements are not irrevocable or un-modifiable. On the contrary, the parties can work with a local lawyer to change or revoke their agreement if they meet certain requirements. For example, the revocation or amendment must be in writing and both parties must agree to the revocation or amendment.
Reach out to an Alpharetta Marital Agreements Attorney Today
Marital agreements offer an efficient way of dividing property and assets in the event of a legal separation, divorce, or death of a spouse. It is extremely important that the language in a marital agreement be precise and correct.
An Alpharetta marital agreements lawyer can meet with you and your spouse (or fiancée), examine your assets and debts, and work with you to craft an agreement that suits your individual lifestyles and circumstances. Call today to learn more.
