Established Prenuptial And Postnuptial Agreements Lawyer Serving Portage Couples 

Your marriage deserves a strong financial foundation. Just as you plan your wedding day, smart couples plan their financial future together. While couples don’t like to talk about money before marriage, the facts show that financial disputes rank as the top reason for divorce in Michigan. A prenuptial agreement puts both partners on the same page from day one about assets, debts and financial goals. Let me, attorney Joseph Vander Horst, be your trusted partner in helping you sort out both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.

The Basics Of Marital Agreements In Michigan 

Michigan law calls these documents “antenuptial agreements” when signed before the marriage contract and “postnuptial agreements” when signed after. Both serve the same purpose: to spell out exactly how you’ll handle money matters during marriage. 

Most people think these agreements only benefit the rich. That’s not true. Any couple with a home, retirement account, business or debt should consider one. Even young couples find them useful for setting clear ground rules about spending, saving and bill paying. 

Serving Kalamazoo County and Portage, my firm, Vander Horst Law Office PC, is here to help you create marital agreements that protects your interests and provides peace of mind. I can also help with checking your postnuptial agreement validity and prenuptial agreement enforcement. Reach out to me online to learn how we can help secure your financial future together. 

Why Consider A Prenuptial Agreement? 

A prenuptial agreement sets clear financial rules before marriage. It protects both partners and creates a solid foundation for your shared future. Some benefits of obtaining a prenuptial agreement include: 

• Protecting premarital assets: The assets you built before marriage matter. A prenuptial agreement is essentially an asset protection agreement. It keeps your premarriage property separate from bank accounts to real estate. It draws clear lines between what’s yours, what’s your spouse’s and what you’ll share. Your retirement funds and investments stay protected while you build new wealth together. 

• Safeguarding business interests: Business owners face unique risks in marriage. Your agreement keeps business ownership clear and protects your partners too. It sets specific rules about company growth, profit sharing and management rights. This clarity lets you focus on growing your business without worrying about its future. 

• Clarifying financial responsibilities: Money disputes hurt marriages. Your agreement sets clear rules about daily finances, from who handles the mortgage to how you’ll manage joint accounts. It creates a practical spending and saving plan that both partners understand and accept. 

• Protecting inheritance rights: Family wealth needs proper protection. Your agreement keeps inherited money separate and sets clear rules about family property. It helps preserve family heirlooms and ensures that inherited assets stay in your family line. This planning prevents disputes and protects your family’s legacy. 

• Addressing debt liability: Old debts shouldn’t threaten your future. The agreement keeps past debts separate and sets rules for handling new ones. It protects your credit score and clearly states who pays which bills. This planning prevents one partner’s debt from becoming a shared burden. 

• Streamlining future changes: Life rarely goes as planned. A good agreement makes any needed changes simpler and less costly. It reduces legal fees and prevents lengthy court battles if you ever part ways. Think of it as a road map for handling whatever life brings. 

A prenuptial agreement builds trust through honest financial planning. Work with an experienced prenuptial agreement lawyer to create an agreement that protects both partners’ interests and sets your marriage up for success. 

When Do You Need A Postnuptial Agreement? 

A postnuptial agreement lets married couples update their financial rules. Unlike prenups signed before marriage, these agreements address changes that happen during marriage. Here’s what matters: 

• Managing business changes: New business ventures change family finances. A postnuptial agreement protects company assets and sets clear rules about profits. This keeps business growth separate from household money and protects both spouses. 

• Handling inheritance: Money inherited during marriage needs special treatment. Your agreement keeps family wealth separate and sets firm guidelines for using inherited assets. This protects family property while respecting your marriage. 

• Rebuilding trust: Some couples use postnuptial agreements during reconciliation. Clear financial rules help restore confidence and security in the relationship. Both partners know exactly where they stand. 

• Adjusting to career shifts: Job changes affect the whole family. Your agreement can reset financial duties and protect assets during professional transitions. This keeps both partners secure during career moves. 

• Protecting new property: As you build wealth together, you may want specific ownership rules. A postnuptial agreement makes clear what’s shared and what stays separate. 

• Planning for children: Growing families need solid financial plans. Your agreement can set rules for education costs and protect assets for your children’s future. 

A postnuptial agreement helps married couples adapt to change while protecting their financial future. Proper legal representation from a qualified attorney ensures your agreement serves both partners’ needs.

Legal Requirements In Michigan 

Michigan courts enforce marital agreements that meet basic legal standards. To create a valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, both people must share complete details about their assets, income and debts. Hidden finances can void the agreement. Each person should have their own prenuptial agreement lawyer review the agreement to ensure they understand their rights. 

The agreement must be signed freely and willingly, with no pressure from either side. Courts reject agreements that are extremely unfair to one person or leave someone unable to support themselves.

Take The Next Step Toward Securing Your Future. Call Us Today. 

For over three decades, I have helped couples from Portage to Kalamazoo County create sound marital property agreements that stand the test of time through Vander Horst Law Office PC. Call me at 269-348-7109 for a free phone consultation or reach out to me online, and let’s discuss how I can help protect your future.