Parents in Texas who anticipate the time when their children will marry may want to consider teaching them about prenuptial agreements before they go to college. People can use a prenuptial agreement to ensure that their interests are protected should they get a divorce.
One reason parents should begin talking to their children about prenuptial agreements well before they are considering marriage is so that there is no mystery about the documents when the time comes to use them. The children have to be familiar with prenuptial agreements and know what they can do so that they are able to make informed decisions about the documents.
Parents can also protect their and their children’s future wealth with prenuptial agreements. This may be particularly pertinent if the children will be inheriting substantial wealth, or if parents have already started transferring some of their wealth to their children as gifts. The children should also be advised of the importance of using the document if they have begun to accumulate their own wealth.
It is important that the children understand that the suggestion or use of a prenuptial agreement is not a reflection of what their parents may think about their future spouse. One advantage of speaking to children before they are part of a serious couple is that the discussion regarding the document can be had without there being an emotional reaction or the generating of bad feelings. The children will be able freely and objectively consider the facts surrounding the use of a prenuptial agreement.
A family law attorney may assist clients who have plans to get married with creating prenuptial agreements that protect their rights and interests in the event of a divorce. The attorney may assist with negotiating favorable terms of the agreement, such as how marital assets should be divided.