As more people wait to establish their careers before marriage, they are often entering into matrimony with more assets than in previous generations. Inheritance issues may come up in marriages with children from previous relationships. Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can strengthen your marriage now and prevent confusion in the future.
Marriage is an important milestone for both you and your spouse. The impact is more than emotional and spiritual. You are entering a legal bond that ties your lives together for the years to come. You have so much to celebrate, so don’t let concerns about your finances overshadow your new commitment. A prenuptial agreement or a postnuptial agreement can settle those concerns.
I am family law attorney Paula J. Goforth, and I have been assisting clients throughout San Diego County for over 20 years. Whether you are engaged or already married, you can create an agreement with your spouse regarding your financial future. I am well-versed in California’s laws regarding such agreements and can help you create a strong, well-thought-out plan.
I firmly believe in the power of communication when it comes to building strong relationships. Understanding each other’s thoughts and feelings regarding your finances is an important part of that relationship. Prenup and postnup agreements can help reduce future conflict because you will have already discussed these issues at a time when you are getting along well rather than in the heat of an argument.
At Goforth, I can help you negotiate and draft an agreement that will work for you. Examples of topics I help clients discuss include:
Of course, your agreement will reflect your needs and your relationship. Once you have firmly reached common ground, you can move forward in your marriage with confidence. If your marriage does end in divorce, you will already know what to expect regarding your division of property, avoiding a costly and protracted legal battle.
A well-designed prenup provides security and peace of mind as you enter your marriage. I can help you with the legal aspects of your union so you can focus on growing closer together. Call my office or reach out online to get started.
A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract covering topics such as finances and spousal support in the event of a divorce. Planning ahead can protect your assets and prevent a protracted court case.
Prenuptial agreements must be signed by both parties and notarized to be enforceable. The court can dismiss a prenup if there is suspicion of involuntary signing such as coercion.
In a prenuptial agreement, the parties can declare assets as separate property. The document can also spell out expectations around alimony, joint business interests, and estate planning.
The difference between prenup and postnup agreements is a matter of timing. A prenuptial agreement is validated before you are married; a postnup handles the same issues after you are married.
In California, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements must be written documents that have been voluntarily signed by both parties and notarized. The spouses must also have had at least a week to seek legal counsel before signing.
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Goforth Family Law & Mediation specializes in several areas of family law. Our experience and understanding have helped many couples through challenging times.
Divorce is an emotional event, but it is also a legal procedure. Attorney Paula Goforth has over 20 years of family law experience and can guide you through the process.
The welfare of children is a priority for the court system. Working with an experienced attorney to reach a custody agreement can minimize the time you spend in family court.
Separating assets fairly can take time and patience. Attorney Goforth provides a non-anxious process to help couples come to an agreement that meets legal standards.
When life changes after your divorce, Goforth Family Law & Mediation can help you amend your divorce agreement and adapt it to the new circumstances.
When emotions are high, having an unbiased third party guide the discussion reduces stress and streamlines the process. Attorney Paula Goforth has over two decades of experience as a family law mediator and can help you arrive at a mutual agreement.
At our law firm of Goforth Family Law & Mediation, we help our San Diego neighbors at every stage of the family relationship, from setting forth premarital agreements to overseeing divorce mediation. We take a compassionate approach to these many milestones, understanding no two couple or family situations are the same.
