Discussing the specifics of a prenuptial agreement with your future spouse can feel daunting and stressful. Thankfully, there are ways to make the conversation go more smoothly. Coming into the conversation organized and prepared can help you keep your train of thought and have a constructive discussion with your loved one.
To protect yourself and your assets with a prenuptial agreement, consult an experienced Michigan family law attorney. Before you walk into your initial consultation, it helps to know what to bring with you so your attorney can offer you specific and tailored legal advice.
Documents and Information to Gather for Your Prenup Consultation
An initial meeting with a family law attorney shouldn’t be intimidating or stressful. An experienced attorney aims to provide you with the information you need to make wise and practical decisions about your situation and how you can protect your assets. To make the most out of your time with a family law attorney, it helps to show up prepared. Some of the documents you need to bring with you to help your attorney get a complete picture of your situation include:
- Identification –It may seem obvious, but show up with proper identification such as a government-issued identification card, driver’s license, or valid U.S. passport. You should also know your Social Security number or write it down as part of your identification documents.
- Income and Employment Information –Your attorney needs a clear understanding of your current financial situation, including information about your income and employment. Bring recent pay stubs, employment contracts, or other proof of income. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns or profit/loss statements.
- List of Assets and Debts –Include relevant information about your current assets and debts to round out your financial picture. You want to include real estate holdings, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investment portfolios, vehicles, and personal property of high value, such as art, antiques, or jewelry. As for debts, bring information about any student loans, credit card debt, or personal loans you may have.
- Business Interests – One of the most common reasons individuals seek a prenuptial agreement is to protect their stake in a business. Gather documents or contracts related to your business ownership interests.
- Previous Legal Agreements – If you have previous legal agreements with other individuals or entities, such as a divorce decree, child custody or support arrangements, trust documents, or an existing will or estate plan, provide these to your attorney.
- Future Income or Financial Plans –If you will be the recipient of a large inheritance, are starting a business, or expect income changes in the future, share these projections with your attorney.
- Outline Your Partner’s Financial Situation – You may not be privy to all your future partner’s financial information, but if there are relevant points of concern, express those with your attorney. Discuss these issues if your partner has significant student loan or credit card debt or concerning spending habits.
- A List of Your Goals and Concerns –You can also help your meeting stay on track and organize your thoughts by listing your primary concerns and goals you’d like a prenuptial agreement to address. Are you worried about protecting pre-marital assets, or do you want to establish spousal support expectations? Write down a few points you wish to address in a prenuptial agreement.
The truth is the most important thing to bring with you when discussing a prenuptial agreement. You want your attorney to have an accurate and complete picture of your finances so they can provide you with strategic legal advice.
Contact a Skilled Michigan Family Law Attorney Today
Rodnick, Piraino & Ingber, PLLC, is ready to help put you in the best position possible to protect your assets before you marry. A prenuptial agreement shouldn’t be taboo. It should help you and your partner minimize future conflict and set expectations. Contact our office now and arrange a confidential consultation to get started.
