I think it is a sad truth that society, as a whole, has become desensitized to the idea of divorce. Turn on the television and you’re bound to hear about a celebrity who has just ended one marriage and is already planning a dream wedding with another celebrity.
Over 50% of marriages in the United States end in divorce. It seems to me that people want so badly to get married, but don’t want to put in the work to make sure a marriage is right for them. A marriage now is more of a business relationship than it is Prince Charming sweeping a fair maiden off her feet. The courts are imposing on spouses the same fiduciary duties as they would partners in a business venture. People don’t generally enter into business deals without knowing all the facts. Why is it then that people enter into marriages without knowing everything about what they’re about to do? Before entering into a marriage there are certain things every person should know so that, should the marriage end, their property and rights are protected. Celebrities have armies of lawyers protecting their property and rights, we have to arm ourselves with knowledge.
The LawGuru Articles Library has a great article filled with information that every person should know before they get married, or before they get a divorce. Check the article out by clicking here.
Remember prenuptial agreements need to be executed well before the marriage. I’ve had people call asking for a prenup days before their wedding. I turned them down because the agreement would not hold up in court. Handing someone a prenup right before they walk down the isle is like putting a gun to their head. The person who signs under those condition will always have a defense. They will claim it was signed under duress. The court will very likely agree. I tell my clients to get those things worked out before setting their wedding dates.