You have found the love of your life, and you are looking forward to tying the knot and spending the rest of your life together. Divorce is probably the last thing on your mind, but you may need to consider the fact that something could go wrong with your relationship in the future.
Since divorce is possible, it makes sense to consider creating a prenuptial agreement before your wedding day. If this is something you want, it’s important to discuss the agreement with your soon-to-be spouse.
Five tips to help with that awkward conversation
Talking about prenups can seem very uncomfortable and even inappropriate, but it may be beneficial. Here are five tips to help jumpstart the prenuptial agreement conversation:
- Explain your stance: Don’t beat around the bush or tell white lies. Instead, be straightforward and honest as you explain why you may want a prenuptial agreement.
- Choose the right time and place: Don’t suggest a prenuptial agreement at Thanksgiving dinner. Don’t ask for a prenuptial agreement over email while your fiancé(e) is at work. Choose a time and place that gives you the time and privacy you need to discuss this important topic.
- Don’t talk about yourself the entire time: Sure, you need to explain your stance, but you’ll want your partner to see the big picture. A prenuptial agreement should be a two-way street that provides benefits to both individuals.
- Talk about the future: Make it clear that creating a prenuptial agreement is not a sign that you’ll ever want to get a divorce. Talk about the future and the things that could go wrong. Also, discuss the benefits of a prenuptial agreement.
- Don’t hide anything: There is no point in hiding anything during this discussion. For example, if there is a reason why you want to create a prenuptial agreement – perhaps because your parents went through a bad divorce – explain this to your partner.
It’s never easy to discuss or ask for a prenuptial agreement, but these tips can help you put the conversation on the right track.
Once you and your partner are on the same page, you can then talk through the finer details of creating a prenuptial agreement. In the end, you’ll have something in place that may give both of you peace of mind.