The argument against pre-nuptial agreements contends that such documents are only needed if the partners believe the marriage is destined to fail. However, others believe that a pre-nuptial agreement is essential in order to protect marriage partners should the worst happen. These are becoming more popular as issues like debt, income, promotion and the fact that individuals often come to a marriage with more established assets come to the forefront.
But an additional rising trend is the post-nuptial agreement.

Post-nuptial agreement

This is a contract that divvies up the assets in the case of divorce, but it is signed after the wedding takes place. For couples who did not sign pre-nuptial agreements, or for couples who did but whose financial situation is changing, post-nuptial agreements are on the rise.

A post-nuptial agreement can also cover how the children will be cared for, and what financial assets will go to their maintenance from each (former) partner. Although a post-nuptial agreement can also dictate the terms of how finances are handled while inside the marriage — essentially codifying how much each person pays for bills and the like.

I do not have any sort of nuptial agreement, but I am frequently advised to get a post-nuptial agreement since I am the primary breadwinner. But I stop and think about how I would feel if my husband demanded such a thing of me. I would be extremely offended. After all, didn’t we promise to stay in this for the long haul?

What do you think about the post-nuptial (or any nuptial) agreement?

image credit: painting by Edmund Blair Leighton. “Till Death Do Us Part.” 1878.

Post from: EveryJoe

Marriage Finances: Post-Nuptial Agreement