Legal Professionals of Hirsch & Ehlenberger

Protect Your Assets With Prenuptial And Postnuptial Agreements

Prenuptial Agreements (also known as premarital agreements) are recognized by statute in Virginia and are an excellent way of ensuring that you can enter a marriage while still protecting your assets. They are commonly used by individuals who own property prior to the marriage, especially when they have children from prior relationships for whom they want to preserve those assets.

Prenuptial agreements should be approached not only with sensitivity to the emotions involved in the upcoming marriage but also with the formality of a contract affecting important future marital rights. It is important that you hire a skilled and knowledgeable attorney to draft a prenuptial agreement, as there are nuances that can have far-reaching effects if the agreement ultimately needs to be enforced.

The attorneys at Hirsch & Ehlenberger, P.C., have drafted prenuptial agreements that have been effective in courts throughout Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Arlington County, and Alexandria City.

How Long Before My Wedding Should I Seek A Prenuptial Agreement?

We recommend clients come in at least two months before the date of the wedding since planning a wedding can be very hectic and the drafting process can require some back and forth to ensure that the client’s unique needs are met. This also ensures both parties have time to review the prenuptial agreement before it is signed so that it does not create last-minute stress or spill over into the joy of the wedding. Your spouse should have time to review the prenuptial agreement with a lawyer, even if they choose not to do so.

Postnuptial Agreements And Why They Matter

Many people are unaware they can also enter into postnuptial agreements, which carry the same weight as prenuptial agreements and are enforceable under Virginia law. Postnuptial agreements can be used in a variety of ways, including protecting assets that are inherited during the marriage to ensure that they remain part of your separate estate. Some couples who are considering divorce but hope to work on their marriage also find postnuptial agreements helpful.

In a negotiated postnuptial agreement, parties agree on what will happen to their assets and debts in the event of a divorce, allowing the couple to set aside financial concerns and focus on fixing their marriage. This helps to relieve the stress and uncertainty about finances that can get in the way when a couple is trying to navigate difficult times in their relationship.

We Will Look Out For Your Best Interests – Call Us Today

Ultimately, our goal is to help you understand the entire agreement and its effect so you do not feel pressured into signing a document that you do not understand.

Schedule a consultation and connect with our lawyers by calling 703-481-6063 or sending us an email.