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Postnuptial Agreements in Pennsylvania

After you are married, you may decide that an agreement handling division of assets, debt, and other matters would be beneficial.

Many couples get married and regret not being prepared for the future. Whether that involves getting married at a young age or not having financial security, thinking about the worst-case scenario can be stressful. For married couples, there are ways to prepare for unfortunate events even after the knot has been tied. A postnuptial agreement, for example, can aid in outlining the rights of each spouse during marriage and in the event of a divorce. While creating this type of agreement can be awkward, doing so will help to avoid a lengthy court battle if the relationship ends.

Our Pittsburgh divorce lawyers see these types of situations often and understand that they can be very delicate. At Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC we will work tirelessly to guide you through the process, pointing out errors and ensuring that the agreement is fair and balanced.

Call (412) 471-5100 now to see how you can be prepared for the worst case scenario.

Understanding Postnuptial Agreements

According to recent statistics, more than half of all U.S. marriages end in divorce. For this reason, many people decide to prepare for the worst, safeguarding themselves against the horrors of going through a lengthy court battle. A postnuptial agreement is similar to a prenuptial agreement in almost every way. Both outline terms and conditions related to how funds and property will be distributed in the event of a divorce. The only real distinction is found in the timing. Prenuptial agreements are arranged prior to the wedding, whereas post nuptial agreements are formed after the marriage is official. These agreements can be created months, or even years after a couple gets married. In general, a postnup needs to include the following elements:

  • A written agreement that outlines how assets and funds are to be allocated
  • Signatures from both spouses that indicate consent to the postnuptial agreement
  • Both spouses must enter into the agreement voluntarily
  • A level of fairness that ensures both spouses get what they deserve

When a Postnuptial Agreement is Necessary

A postnuptial agreement might be created for a number of reasons. In some cases, a couple might want to define certain responsibilities or rules within the relationship, such as how money should be spent or how chores should be divided. A postnup might also outline repercussions for a spouse’s reckless behavior or uncontrollable spending. Issues that are commonly addressed in a postnuptial agreement include, but are not limited to:

  • The amount that each spouse will be required to pay in alimony
  • How property will be distributed in the event of a divorce
  • How certain debts will be paid, such as mortgage payments, credit card debts, student loan payments, and other marital debts
  • How funds and assets will be handled in the event one spouse dies

Contact Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC Today

There is no doubt that discussing some of these concerns can be very sensitive. On the other hand, since a divorce can uproot everything you have worked hard to establish, it is usually best to make sure some of these aspects are addressed in advance. If you are a parent involved in a separation, you are likely worried about how the separation will impact your children or about having to struggle through a long and difficult divorce case that could take months or even years. The Pittsburgh divorce lawyers at Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC know that you do not want your spouse to think that the relationship is doomed, but you also want to protect your financial rights. Attorney Anthony Piccirilli will carefully work with you and your spouse to make everyone aware that postnuptial agreements are for the protection of both spouses. Together, we will reach an agreement that works for everyone.

Call (412) 471-5100 now to see how your best interests can be protected.