Though most New Jersey couples probably do not think much of divorce as they approach their wedding day, the reality is that circumstances can change over time and martial dissolution may become the best option. Anyone who has already been through the divorce process would likely agree that being prepared for any possibility can prove to be helpful.
According to a study conducted by the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, 67 percent of second marriages and 74 percent of third marriages result in divorce. Knowing this statistic, being prepared is particularly important for those involved in second or third marriages, which personal experience may demonstrate.
Perhaps the best way to be prepared for marriage is to be up front and consider a prenuptial agreement. This way, you and your new spouse can be honest about your financial affairs, focus on developing a relationship and minimize any bitterness that may come with a divorce.
Since many individuals in a second marriage may still be fulfilling the obligations of their first settlement, such as alimony or child support, making proactive financial decisions is a smart way to enter a subsequent marriage. Signing a prenuptial agreement for a second marriage can ensure that a person will not become financially strapped if another divorce occurs.
Another reality of many second marriages is establishing a blended family. If you and your new spouse are brining children into your marriage, settling matters of inheritance and other forms of support right off the bat could be important. By including terms of inheritance for stepchildren in a prenuptial agreement, future conflicts may be avoided.
Though bringing up the topic of a prenuptial agreement may not be the easiest thing to do right before marriage, it is a practical move. By establishing your financial position at the outset of a marriage, you can make sure that you and your spouse emerge from a potential divorce with a sense of financial security.
Source:
- CBS Boston, “Marriage, The Second Or Third Time Around,” Dee Lee, Aug. 2, 2012
- Our firm has experience working through a number of unique New Jersey family law cases. In order to learn more about creating a prenuptial agreement, please visit our Sussex County divorce page.
