For many Maryland residents, a second chance at love is a wonderful opportunity. Many people who have gone through divorce are eager to take the lessons learned from previous relationships and put them to use in building stronger bonds the second times around. Statistics suggest, however, that second marriages have a high risk of ending in divorce. This means that individuals who are preparing to wed for second times would be wise to create prenuptial agreements that can protect their financial interests, just in case their second chances do not go according to plan.
The foundation of a solid prenup is a series of discussions about financial matters, including the past, present and future. Both parties should disclose the their financial standings, including incomes, assets and debt. This gives each the chance to evaluate whether the financial approach preferred by the other seems like a good match.
It is also important to agree upon a structure for how finances will be handled moving forward. This includes discussing whether assets and/or debts will be considered to belong to each individual or taken on as a couple. If it is preferable to create and maintain a separation of finances, that can be addressed in the language of a prenup. This is also the time to discuss estate planning choices and how assets might pass down to children from previous unions.
Many Maryland residents find it uncomfortable to discuss financial matters, especially in the context of a prenuptial agreement. However, having this information at the onset of a marriage can make it far easier for a couple to identify potential areas of conflict and work to align their financial preferences. This alone makes negotiating a prenup a worthy endeavor, regardless of whether the marriage ultimately ends in divorce.
Source: mysanantonio.com, “Issues to Consider before a Second Marriage“, Paul Premack, Oct. 5, 2015