The date is set. The venue is rented. The rings, dresses, and tuxes are ready and you’ve gone cake tasting. But there’s still a conversation you have not had with your fiancé(e) ”“ are you going to get a prenuptial agreement?
It’s not a romantic conversation to have. “Hey, honey, I love you so much and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. But”¦”
Prenuptial agreements are an incredibly valuable and underutilized tool for couples to ensure that they preserve their property after divorce. So, here are a few tips to help you break the ice without scaring your fiancé(e) away:
- Be straightforward. Beating around the bush will just introduce unnecessary uncertainty. Show your future spouse that you have a level-headed and sensible approach to the marriage. Who knows? Maybe (s)he is thinking the same thing.
- Timing is key. Plan a time when you are both in a positive mood and you have time for the in-depth discussion of a potential prenup.
- Don’t start antagonistically. “I want a prenup” is probably not the best way to start the conversation. Try something more delicate ”“ “Honey, I know this isn’t a comfortable subject, but we’re getting married soon and I’d like to discuss a prenuptial agreement.”
- Be reassuring. Let your future spouse know that you aren’t having this discussion because of cold feet or to withhold your property from him or her. Let him or her know that this discussion is about protecting each other’s financial independence.
- Be transparent. Honesty is a key component of marriage, after all.
Our Denver divorce attorneys suggest that you discuss with your spouse and your lawyer whether a prenup is the right fit for your family.