Talking about a prenuptial agreement isn’t the most romantic part of planning a life as a couple with your significant other. However, a prenup is more than just a plan for divorce. It’s about transparency, protecting each other and having the hard conversations early.
In Illinois, prenups can go far beyond dividing money. Here are some surprisingly personal clauses you can include in a prenup.
Pet custody
You can outline who keeps the dog or cat in a prenuptial agreement and even how vet bills or visitation are handled. For many couples, pets are family and this clause helps avoid heartache and court battles during divorce.
Business ownership
If you or your spouse owns a business, a prenup can clearly define what happens to it if the marriage ends. This can help protect your interest in the business and avoid unnecessary disruption over control or ownership when the marriage ends.
Debt protection
Marriage often brings shared goals and responsibilities, but it can also create confusion when it comes to personal debt. Student loans, credit card balances and business-related obligations may all become intertwined once you’re married, even if they were taken on individually. A prenup can help draw clear boundaries by specifying which debts remain separate.
Protection for your inheritance and personal assets
A prenup can protect your children’s inheritance or keep a family vacation home within your side of the family. This can help prevent messy disputes and protect your family’s legacy.
There’s a lot more you can include in your prenup to reflect your lifestyle and values. Seeking legal assistance can help you learn more about how prenups work and ensure that your agreement is fair and enforceable.
