For some Pennsylvania couples planning on getting married, the concept of a prenuptial agreement can evoke fear, anxiety or even anger. However, planning for a prenuptial agreement can actually help to strengthen a relationship as people enter a new stage in life. When a partner with a higher level of assets or a stake in a family property insists on a prenup, it doesn’t always mean that they are planning for a divorce.
Financial disparities can bring their own brand of stress and anxiety to a relationship. A prenuptial agreement is one way of managing the risks posed. One type of asset that’s frequently included in a prenuptial agreement is a family business or property that predates the marriage. However, concerns about a partner’s relationship to their family of origin over their relationship with their spouse can also be a point of conflict. Creating a prenup can help to lay down boundaries that not only protect the family property but also support mutual agreements between the spouses.
Power imbalances can also be a difficult issue when planning a prenuptial agreement. The person with more assets may be seen as being in a permanently dominant role within the relationship. A prenup can actually help to challenge, rather than reinforce, this type of power dynamic by explicitly laying out control to each spouse. By creating a legal and contractual basis for wealth transfer, a prenup can help to avoid unhealthy dynamics around money.
People who are planning to wed can consider a prenuptial agreement to protect their assets and also honor their marriage. Each partner in a prenup should be represented by a family law attorney who can represent their interests in developing the final agreement.