Last Updated on: 2nd August 2023, 11:36 pm

Chatting About Prenups with Todd Spodek

Hey, look, I get it. Prenuptial agreements, or prenups as we usually call them, aren’t exactly the most thrilling topic for starry-eyed lovebirds planning their future together. But let me tell you, Todd Spodek and the Spodek Law Group can’t emphasize enough how important this little piece of paper can be.

Why Prenups are a Must-Have for Any Couple

Prenups, quite simply, are like safety nets – they protect your individual assets and lay out what would happen if the worst-case scenario unfolds – a divorce. Imagine escaping the clutches of a painstakingly long Bronx divorce court battle, because you had everything planned out. Sounds like a relief, doesn’t it?

Sure, you’re probably thinking – “Divorce? No way, that’s not going to happen to us!” But think about it like this – getting car insurance doesn’t mean you’re planning to crash, right? It’s just a sensible precaution, just like a prenup. It doesn’t cast a shadow over your marriage. If you don’t need it, great. But if you end up needing it, you’ll be thanking your lucky stars.

What’s Inside a Prenup

Prenups, at their core, are contracts outlining what happens if your marriage hits a rough patch. They can cover a whole range of things, depending on your unique situation.

Most folks use prenups to keep their assets secure. You and your partner list out which assets belong to whom, ensuring that in case of a divorce, everyone keeps their own stuff. Assets could be anything from your family’s antique clock to that swanky new condo.

Then there’s spousal support. In your prenup, you can decide who will pay, how much they’ll pay, and for how long. You can also choose to forgo spousal support altogether, but remember, spousal support might still be required if one partner would otherwise need welfare.

Child support and custody arrangements are typically the state’s call, but you can sketch out an idea of how you’d like things to be. Even if kids aren’t in the picture yet, it doesn’t hurt to think ahead.

Getting Todd Spodek On Board For Your Prenup

Technically, you don’t need a lawyer to draft a prenup, but trust me, it’s better to have one. Why? Well, a lawyer like Todd Spodek will ensure the prenup is fair to you and stands up in court.

See, the thing is, a single lawyer can’t represent both of you in this scenario. You each need a lawyer who will have your best interests at heart. If a prenup is overly skewed towards one person, courts can chuck it out. And we certainly don’t want that, do we?

Besides, getting a lawyer to draw up your prenup just makes life easier. They’ll ensure there are no nasty surprises down the road. Sure, talking about a prenup might not be the most romantic thing in the world, but it’s worth your time, trust me.

Working with the Spodek Law Group on Your Prenup

It’s understandable if you’re nervous about discussing a prenup, especially if you

‘re worried it might ruffle some feathers. But hey, you’re not alone. According to a 2013 survey by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), 63 percent of divorce attorneys reported an increase in prenuptial agreements over three years. Interestingly, almost half of the prenups were initiated by women.

Why You Might Consider a Prenup

A prenup lays out what is separate property and what is shared. It can decide how much alimony a spouse receives, identify marital property, reduce conflicts during a divorce, assign debts to the right spouse, and provide details about special agreements.

Why You Might Choose Not to Have a Prenup

On the flip side, some folks worry that even the mention of a prenup could lead to cold feet. Or perhaps the timing feels off if the wedding’s just around the corner. Sometimes, a prenup can include unfair provisions that might not hold up in court. Plus, some things might be covered by state law anyway.

Tying the Knot Without a Prenup

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tells us that in 2014 alone, there were over 2 million marriages and around 813,862 divorces. The way property ownership works during and after a marriage varies by state. Without a prenup, both partners could be responsible for debts incurred during the marriage.

It’s always a good idea to get in touch with a legal professional like Todd Spodek to understand if a prenuptial agreement makes sense for your situation.