Prenuptial Agreement

The last thing you want to think about before tying the knot is, “What happens if the marriage doesn’t work out or if one of us passes away?”

But for many St. Louis couples, especially those bringing significant assets into the union, a prenuptial agreement (or “prenup”) is a smart way to plan ahead.

At Raza Family Law Solutions, we guide you through creating a fair, legally sound agreement that protects both partners.

What is a Prenuptial Agreement?

A prenuptial agreement is a contract that recently engaged couples sign before marriage.

It spells out things like:

• How you’ll divide property and assets if you divorce.
• Whether one spouse will pay alimony (spousal support) to the other.
• Each person’s financial rights and responsibilities during the marriage.
• How death benefits and life insurance will be divided when one of you passes away.

You can think of it as a roadmap for handling money matters in your marriage – and a safety net if the relationship ends or in the event of a spouse’s death.

Protection for Everyone

It’s also important to note that prenups aren’t just for the wealthy.

These legal agreements can benefit any couple wanting to proactively manage finances and protect premarital assets.

And while Missouri law doesn’t require a prenup before getting married, having one can save a lot of headaches down the road.

Benefits of Executing a St. Louis Prenup

Picture this: you’re madly in love and can’t wait to build a life with your partner.

But you also worked hard to repay your student loans and build up your 401(k). Or maybe you want to make sure your future spouse and children would be financially secure if something were to happen to you.

Our prenup law firm can help you:

• Enter marriage with peace of mind, knowing you’re protecting what’s important to you.
• Determine in advance how you’d split assets and debts in a divorce rather than battling it out in court later.
• Clarify each spouse’s financial expectations and priorities (like budgeting or saving for retirement).
• Reduce conflict by having honest money conversations before saying “I do.”
• Establish a game plan for sticky situations, like a family business, one spouse giving up their career to raise kids, or an untimely passing.

Basically, prenups give you a voice in shaping your financial future, come what may. And in an uncertain world, that’s pretty empowering.

Drafting an Enforceable Prenup in Missouri

So, you’ve decided a prenup is right for you.

But before you start googling “prenup template,” know that for an agreement to be legally binding in Missouri, it must meet certain statutory requirements.

At Raza Family Solutions, we draft airtight agreements that comply with state law.

We make sure that your prenup:

• Is in writing and signed by both parties months before the wedding (shows lack of coercion).
• Includes a full disclosure of each person’s finances.
• Is entered voluntarily without pressure from either partner.
• Has fair and reasonable terms that don’t leave one spouse high and dry.
• Is well-timed (i.e., not thrown together at the last minute).

Separate Legal Counsel

To guarantee your prenup is fair and complies with statutory rules, we recommend couples have their own legal counsel review the document and represent their interests.

This legal recommendation avoids conflicts of interest, strengthens enforceability, and ensures everyone’s rights are protected.

What to Include in a St. Louis Prenuptial Agreement

No two prenups are alike – yours should be custom-drafted to meet your unique needs and family situation.
That said, most agreements cover:

• A detailed inventory of each person’s separate vs. marital property.
• Instructions for division of property and debts if you split up.
• Spousal support terms (who pays, how much, for how long).
• How you’ll handle things like household expenses and joint purchases during the marriage.
• Plans for any family businesses, professional practices, or other complex assets.
• Division of death benefits and life insurance policies

The key is being thorough and specific. The more “what if” scenarios you anticipate and address, the better.

Work with Experienced St. Louis Prenup Attorneys

Drafting a customized prenup is part art and part science.

On the one hand, you want a clear and comprehensive agreement that will stand up in court.

Conversely, you don’t want to kill the romance with a lengthy, 80-page document peppered with legalese.

That’s where a knowledgeable St. Louis prenuptial agreement attorney from Raza Family Solutions comes in handy.

We guide you through the process of:

1. Determining if a prenup is necessary and beneficial for you.
2. Understanding your agreement options and their potential consequences.
3. Negotiating terms with your partner that feel fair to you both.
4. Putting everything in writing in a way that leaves no room for misinterpretation.
5. Executing the agreement properly so it’s legally airtight.

Our attorneys ensure your prenuptial agreement balances legal precision with clarity and conciseness, preserving both your rights and your relationship’s integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a prenup protect you from?

A prenup typically protects you from various financial issues in the event of divorce or the death of a spouse, like determining how assets and debts are divided, spousal support (alimony) terms, and death benefits.

How much money should you have to get a prenup?

There’s no specific amount of money required to get a prenup. It’s more about whether you have assets, property, or financial interests you want to protect, regardless of their value.

How well does a prenup hold up in court?

The enforceability of a prenup in court depends on several factors, including whether it was executed properly, whether both parties fully disclosed their assets and debts before signing, and if it’s deemed fair and reasonable at the time of enforcement.

A well-drafted prenup that meets legal requirements is generally upheld, but courts may invalidate it if they find evidence of coercion, fraud, or unconscionable terms.

Ready for a Prenup That Checks All the Boxes?

Schedule a confidential consultation with our team and take this important step toward a stronger marriage.

With a professionally crafted agreement in place, you and your partner can enter a partnership filled with extra confidence and security.

Our family law attorneys at Raza Family Law Solutions make it happen with personalized prenup services for couples across the St. Louis area.

Contact us today to start the conversation.