Prenuptial Agreement Attorney
Prenuptial agreements are legal tools that can help you protect your financial interests when you get married. My name is Greg Abney, and I have dedicated my private practice to family law.
As the founder of Abney at Law, P.C., in Rockville, I wanted to help people in Montgomery County and the surrounding communities with legal challenges affecting their family. I am passionate about providing one-on-one personalized attention to each of my clients, and I handle every case myself, from the initial consultation to the final resolution. If you are considering a prenuptial agreement, I can help you understand your options and protect your interests.
What Does A Prenuptial Agreement Do?
A prenuptial agreement, also called an antenuptial agreement, is a contract that you and your future spouse create before you get married. It outlines how your assets and debts will be divided if you ever divorce or if one of you dies. This marital agreement can address many financial issues, providing clarity and security for both parties as they enter the marriage.
Who Should Consider A Prenup Agreement?
You might think a prenup is only for the wealthy, but that’s not true. Anyone who wants to protect their assets, business interests or future earnings should consider a prenup. Some common situations include:
- If one of you owns a business
- If one of you has significantly more assets than the other
- If one of you has children from a previous relationship and wants to protect their inheritance
- If you want to keep certain assets separate, such as an inheritance or a gift
- If you want to protect yourself from your future spouse’s debt
Additionally, if you have concerns about alimony or spousal maintenance, a prenup can provide clarity and security. Even if you don’t have significant assets, a prenup can still be beneficial in establishing clear expectations and avoiding potential conflicts in the future.
Why Would A Married Couple Enter Into A Postnuptial Agreement?
A postnuptial agreement is similar to a prenup agreement, but it is a marital agreement that is created after you and your spouse are already married. There are several reasons a couple might consider a postnuptial agreement, including:
- To address financial issues that arose during the marriage
- To protect assets and wealth that are acquired during the marriage
- To update an existing prenup
- To address a new business entered into by one spouse
- To provide financial security for one spouse if the other spouse’s business is struggling
Additionally, if you are facing a divorce over 50, a postnuptial agreement can help you protect your assets. As a Rockville divorce attorney, I’ve seen postnuptial agreements provide a sense of security and stability for couples who want to ensure their financial futures are protected.
What Can Be Included In A Prenup Agreement?
A prenup can cover a wide range of financial issues, including:
- How property will be divided in a divorce
- Whether spousal support or alimony will be paid, and if so, how much and for how long
- How debts will be divided
- How business interests will be handled
- How retirement accounts will be divided
- Life insurance policies
However, a prenup cannot determine child custody arrangements or child support obligations. Those issues are always decided by the court based on the best interests of the child.
Is A Prenup Agreement Enforceable In Maryland?
In Maryland, prenuptial agreements are generally enforceable as long as they are entered into voluntarily and with full disclosure of assets and debts. For a prenup to be enforceable in Maryland, it must be:
- In writing
- Voluntarily signed by both parties
- Based on full and fair disclosure of each party’s assets and debts
The agreement must also be fair and reasonable at the time of signing. A Rockville divorce attorney can help ensure your prenup meets these requirements.
Schedule A Consultation To Protect Your Future
I offer one-on-one initial consultation appointments to discuss your situation and help you understand your options. Call my firm at 301-850-4972 or send a message through my website to schedule a consultation.