Prenuptial agreements are a sensitive issue for couples in Montana, and they can be divisive in some cases. Some people feel they’re very unromantic. Others see them as a realistic way to approach a marriage. Experts point out that going through the process of writing a prenup is one way of addressing common pain points that can arise in a relationship. Prenups can also be important to people who are entering a second or third marriage.
Why choose a prenup?
Prenups are a sensitive family law issue. But far from being problematic, they can help give a couple peace of mind. Discussing a prenup is really a conversation about protecting everyone. If someone is entering a relationship with significant assets, it is sensible to want to protect them with a prenup. Something like a retirement account may be divided in a divorce. People who have saved up over several years may not want to take the chance of losing such an asset.
Prenups are particularly useful if someone has assets and children from a prior relationship. They may want to keep their property, or part of it, separate from their new spouse, in order to pass it on to their children someday. It can be difficult to raise this issue with a partner. But if it’s done tactfully, partners are generally receptive. They can envision themselves in a similar situation, and understand why this would be important to the person they love.
It’s crucial to have conversations about finances as a couple. These can often be awkward, especially at first. But finding ways to communicate about money early is important for the health of the relationship. Some couples have very different styles when it comes to finances. One partner may be a spender, while the other is a saver. In that case, they may decide not to commingle finances at all, and having a prenup may be a great way to establish and formalize that mutual financial independence in the relationship.