Prenup Agreement

How to Protect Your Future as a Married Couple in New York with a Prenup

As a New York prenup attorney, I have seen people fall in and out of love. Some people associate prenups with a negative connotation and think that it reflects a lack trust or love. However, the reality is that a prenup can be a token of love and commitment to protecting each other in the future. It is a terrific planning tool and the discussions that emerge during the creation of prenup terms serves to strengthen the relationship.

Why Prenuptial Agreements Are an Important Part of Getting Married

A prenup agreement is a legally binding contract that dictates how assets and property will be divided and distributed in the event of a future breakup. A prenup agreement all of the financial matters in a marital relationship which can include (or exclude) real estate and investment property, savings, investments, businesses, and debts.

Believing that Prenups Are “Just for the Wealthy” is a Myth

Prenups are no longer just for the wealthy, and couples from all income levels can reap the benefits of having a prenup in place, just in case. A prenup can also help a spouse ensure that their family business remains in their family. On the other hand, it can also protect a spouse from the enormous debt their partner may have acquired over time. They can be beneficial for couples of all income levels and in the event this is a second or third marriage for either partner and where there are children from prior relationships. A prenuptial agreement is a viable way to protect your credit and your future financial health.

Prenups Can Help Couples Avoid a Long-Drawn-Out Costly Divorce

One of the reasons a divorce ends up in court and can take years of litigation is because the couple is battling over assets, property, savings accounts, businesses and other investments. Not only is this a long process but it can also take an emotional and financial toll on all involved. When a couple has a prenup in place which effectively and clearly addresses how assets, property, and investments will be divided between them; it will settle those issues between them and expedite the divorce process. Divorce doesn’t have to be emotionally and financially draining; consider a prenup as “insurance” for your marriage.

Consider a Prenup as a Symbol of Love and Commitment to Your Partner

By openly communicating about protecting each other’s financial future and discussing your commitment to each other, it can also serve to bond and strengthen your relationship.

You Can Have Your New York Prenup Attorney Modify Your Prenup as Your Life Situation Changes

Once you have been married for many years, you may need to adjust your prenup based on your financial situation and other factors that may impact your original prenup agreement. This will allow your prenup to remain relevant and ensure that it meets your needs for the long-term.

Consider a Prenup Agreement if You Are Getting Married or Recently Engaged

A prenup can help you avoid a lengthy and expensive divorce process and protect your assets. It also enables you to symbolize your love and commitment to each other. If you want more information about creating a prenup agreement, call Sabra Law Group to speak to a New York Prenup lawyer at (646) 472-7971.

Why You Might Want to Consider a Prenuptial Agreement if You’re Getting Remarried

Everyone deserves to find love and be happy! If you are lucky enough to find the love of your life after previously being divorced, you should be open to getting remarried but you might be more cognizant of protecting your assets and your future.

Maybe you didn’t have or consider a prenup agreement the first time around and your marriage ended; was it a smooth divorce or was there conflict over assets and finances?

Consider a Prenup Agreement as Your “Just in Case Insurance Policy”

When people get married, they obviously want and envision a happily ever after, but it does not always work out that way. Some fairy tales end in a long-winded, expensive court battle. This can be avoided with a prenuptial agreement. A prenup agreement is like an “insurance policy” it's a just-in-case if things don’t go as planned.

What is a Prenuptial Agreement?

A prenup is an agreement between two people who are getting married that defines what property is marital and what property is considered premarital, or off-limits, in the event of a breakup. A prenuptial agreement is similar to a partnership agreement when two people decide to go into business together. The prenuptial agreement can also protect the assets of both parties from property settlement claims from the other person if they end up divorcing.

Reasons to Consider a Prenuptial Agreement

The advantage of having a prenup agreement is that there is a clear course of action regarding how property, assets, debts, and even pets will be handled if the marriage were to end.

It is also a good idea to consider a prenup if one spouse makes a lot more money than the other, or it is anticipated there may be a future inheritance that you want to protect.

Statistics have shown that the divorce rate for second and third marriages is around 60% to 70% versus 45% to 50% for first-time married couples (source: United States Census Bureau); therefore, a prenuptial agreement may not be a bad idea.

Even if you're not sure if a prenup is right for your relationship it is important to sit down prior to marriage and discuss finances and how matters will be handled during the marriage, as well as consideration in the event the marriage were to end. It is critical to have a clear understanding of what the expectations are of each spouse.

Another advantage of having a prenup agreement is that it can give each person in the relationship a sense of security before “tying the knot.”

A prenup may also be a good idea if there is a huge age gap between each partner. If one partner is a lot older, the younger partner needs to consider what will happen to them and their well-being if their partner were to pass away and how they would be taken care of. That consideration is true even if the couple decides not to enter into a prenuptial agreement.

One Important Consideration

The subject of having a prenup agreement must be discussed between both parties and they both must agree to sign a prenup; otherwise, there can be tension in the relationship.

Consider a Prenup Agreement if You Are Getting Remarried

Contact Sabra Law Group to learn if a prenup agreement is right for your remarriage. Call today at (646) 472-7971.

Why You Don’t Need a High Net Worth to Have a Prenup in New York

Why You Don’t Need a High Net Worth to Have a Prenup in New York

Prenuptial agreements are no longer just for the wealthy. A prenup makes sense for any couple entering a marriage to safeguard their assets and investments. You don’t need to have a high net worth to have a prenup in New York.

What is a Prenup and When Should You Get a Prenup?

You should get a prenup with your spouse before marriage or living together. When you get engaged, that is the ideal time to consult a New York prenup attorney.

A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract that protects what each spouse was able to accumulate before getting married. It also prevents disputes over when the property was acquired.

The prenup can be an act of love rather than just a contract if done correctly. Another perspective is that a prenup is a way to show each other how you care and how you love one another, and is an opportunity, in a loving way, to discuss money, finances, assets, and debts and to decide together how you will each protect your family and assets in case one spouse passes away as well as how you will provide for one another in the event of a divorce.

The agreement should state what each person owns now, how assets and debts accumulated in the future will be split in the event of death or divorce, as well as how the couple will manage their finances while they are married. And, if there are children who are already a part of the family, the prenup can also address child custody.

Love is Worth the Risk

Marriage is more than just an agreed-upon contract. Marriage signifies love and devotion for your mate, which makes the relationship worth the risk. Protect your relationship with a prenuptial agreement.

How You Can Reduce the Risk of Divorce So You Never Have to Use Your Prenup

One of the main reasons that marriages fail in New York is due to the lack of communication. Talking openly about problems, as a couple, is important for a long-lasting marriage. It is also important to communicate your needs to your spouse because they are not a mind reader.

It is also essential to balance work life and home life. If you are spending too much time on your career, and not enough time in your marriage, it can have a negative impact on your relationship.

Sign a Post-Nuptial Agreement if You Are Already Married

Even if you did not get a prenup prior to marriage, it is not too late to protect your assets. Post-nuptial agreements are similar to prenuptial agreements, except they are signed during the marriage. Couples sign them where there wasn’t enough time before the wedding, or when there are changes in financial circumstances such as if one spouse is entering into a new business partnership and they want to protect their business partners and their spouse from legal ramifications of the business, as well as to clearly define the marital and separate property.

Considering a Prenup Agreement?

Contact Sabra Law Group today at (646) 472-7971 to schedule a confidential consultation and get all your prenup questions answered.

Can My Prenup be Invalidated in New York?

Did you and your spouse sign a prenuptial agreement? Maybe it’s been several years and you’re wondering, “Can a prenup be invalidated?”

Prenups once were the province of wealthy people, but today they can be used to protect families in any tax bracket. Accordingly, lawyers are being asked to draft these agreements more frequently.

Perhaps it's only natural that some of the people who enter into these agreements are wondering whether or not they can be invalidated in New York. Invalidating a prenup is possible if certain grounds exist.

Keep in mind that a prenuptial agreement is a written contract. This means that it can be challenged in court just like other contracts. Such challenges are only likely to be successful if certain conditions are met.

One of these conditions is that the agreement is fraudulent. For instance, if one of the parties lied or made a misstatement of fact in the prenup. This typically involves one of the partners not disclosing all of their assets. If the wronged spouse can prove that certain income or assets were concealed at the time the agreement was executed, then the prenup may be invalidated.

Similarly, if one of the partners was forced or coerced to sign the prenuptial agreement, then it is possible to have this agreement invalidated in New York-based upon a claim of duress. Coercion can be difficult to prove, so it’s essential that you work closely with an attorney in such a matter.

Your lawyer alternatively may discover that there is a technical defect in the agreement. As an example, New York law states that these agreements must end with a signature block that is notarized in addition to certain required “acknowledgments.” If the prenup in question is missing these acknowledgments or was not notarized, then it may be invalidated according to state law.

It also is possible that the conditions of the prenup may be considered unconscionable by the court. This may be the case if the court finds that a reasonable person would never willingly agree to some outrageous terms. For instance, one-sided terms that give one spouse all of the assets collected during the marriage may not stand up in court.

Similarly, the court may decide to invalidate a prenup if both parties to the agreement were not represented by their own attorneys.

If you’re asking yourself, “Can a prenup be invalidated?” then it is probably time to call 646-472-7971 to schedule a consultation with Sabra Law Group.

Should You Buy a Property or Home with Your Boyfriend or Girlfriend Before Marriage?

Cohabitation before marriage is more common than ever these days, with the vast majority of couples living together before marriage. In many cases, these couples rent, but an increasing number of customers are buying a home together before they get married. However, this can lead to some legal and financial complications.

It's tough to say whether or not someone should or shouldn't buy a property together before they are married. Everyone's situation is different. Some couples may be able to make this purchase together with zero problems, and others may be on the verge of breaking up and somehow hope that their joint purchase will help to keep them together. However, there are some precautions that every couple should take before making a joint purchase if that's what they decide to do.

Some Precautions to Take Before Buying a House or Condo with Your Boyfriend/Girlfriend

First, if it is at all possible, make sure that both of your names are on any ownership and financing documents. This ensures that you both have legal control over the asset. It also prevents one party from potentially abandoning the relationship without having to suffer any of the financial consequences of paying for an asset. The worst-case scenario in this situation would be if one party were to abandon the relationship and not have their name on the property's ownership. In that situation, it would be possible for them to stick the financial obligation on the other party, causing a huge and unmanageable expense. Of course, the reverse could happen as well: It would be theoretically possible for the legal owner of the property to evict their partner, causing that individual to become homeless and potentially lose possessions.

Second, make sure that you are familiar with how the law treats unmarried couples before making a purchase. All fifty states have fifty different laws, and this is why it is so important to understand how your state would treat your relationship both before and after any marriage may occur. Remember, all states have different procedures for a variety of potential relationship circumstances, including common law marriage or no-fault divorce. Ensuring that you have an adequate understanding of these issues can prevent heartache and financial pain for both of you.

Unfortunately, many couples find themselves in a situation where their relationship has come to an end, requiring a variety of services, such as no-fault divorce, divorce mediation, property distribution, or more. If you live in the New York area and find yourself in need of such services, reach out to the Sabra Law Group at 646-472-7971. We can help protect your interests and assist you in coming to a speedy resolution for any of your legal issues.

Are People Still Dating, Getting Engaged and Married During the Pandemic?

Finding love during the pandemic may be difficult but it is not impossible. The pandemic has given people plenty of time to really reflect on their life and reassess what is really important. It has also forced couples who were quarantined together to realize that they do want to marry their partner.

The loneliness of being quarantined for months and months has made many people realize that they do want someone they love to spend the rest of their life with. For people who may have not considered marriage or being in a long-term relationship, the pandemic may have swayed them to explore the possibility of being in a long-term relationship or a marriage. Many people are realizing that they do not want to grow old alone or face another pandemic alone.

Couples that come to the realization that they truly belong together are still engaged during the pandemic. When it comes to setting the wedding date, some engaged couples may opt to set a wedding date further out than they normally would have. The reason for this is that social distancing the restriction of large events makes it difficult to have a wedding with all of your friends and family present. Some couples are also delaying their wedding date altogether to be after the pandemic is either over or is a bit more controlled.

Remember that Love is Still Alive

For those that are single during the pandemic, finding love may be one of the most important things on their to-do list. If you are single and looking; remember that love is still alive. It may just be a little more difficult to navigate through. While some people have put dating on the backburner due to the pandemic, others are continuing on their quest to find the love of their life. The human need for love remains high, especially during a pandemic when loneliness is quite common.

If you are looking for love during the pandemic, keep in mind that it may be easier to find and date someone locally versus someone who lives in another state. Travel restrictions and the fear of contracting the COVID-19 virus during travel can make a long-distance relationship a bit more difficult right now. Zoom is also a great way to date virtually until you are more comfortable meeting in person.

Don’t Forget to Protect Your Assets if You Are Getting Engaged or Married

If you are getting engaged or married and want to learn how to best protect your assets, contact Sabra Law Group at 646-472-7971 for a confidential consultation.

Why You Should Consider a Postnuptial Agreement if You Didn’t Sign a Prenup

Most people are at least somewhat familiar with the idea of a prenuptial agreement. Basically, it is a contract into which prospective spouses enter before they take their vows. The agreement may cover a variety of subjects like child custody, spousal support, and the division of assets that were brought into the marriage by each party.

By contrast, a postnuptial agreement is one that is entered into after the wedding ceremony. It may cover a number of the same subjects. Why would a couple consider signing such a contract?

Here are some of the most common reasons why couples draft a postnuptial agreement.

Children from a Previous Marriage

If you, your spouse, or both of you have children from a previous marriage, then you may have definite ideas about the inheritance that you would like your child to receive in the event of your death. Without a postnup in place, your estate likely will go to your spouse, which may leave your child(ren) out in the cold. Some state divorce laws may do the same in the event that you split up without having a postnup.

One or Both Partners Was Wealthy at the Time of the Marriage

People who get married with significant assets or who expect to inherit significant assets may want to protect their interests by having a postnup drafted. The contract ensures that both partners can leave the union without losing what they brought to the marriage.

You Received a Large Inheritance

A post-marriage agreement protects any sizable inheritance that you have received or may receive from a family member. Typically, any assets that come to you while you're married will be considered community or marital property in the event of a split unless you are careful and specific precautions are taken. A postnup agreement ensures that you keep your inheritance.

You're an Entrepreneur with a Profitable Business

If your business is really taking off, then you want to protect it. A postnup ensures that what you worked so hard to earn remains yours.

The Idea of a Prenup was Too Awkward

Many couples are made uncomfortable by the idea of discussing the possibility of a split before they've even said, "I do." A postnup makes it possible to plan for every future eventuality when the stress and excitement of the big day are in the past.

Contact the Sabra Law Group at (646) 472-7971 to learn more about having a postnuptial agreement drafted with terms that protect you and your interests.

How to Negotiate a Prenup Like a Pro

It sometimes happens shortly after an engagement. In fact, that's the best time for one partner to suggest that they discuss the idea of a prenup.

Why is it critical to talk about signing a prenup soon after the engagement? It gives the couple time to get used to the idea as well as providing an opportunity to calmly, rationally discuss the possibilities. This may be crucial if one partner is reluctant to sign a prenuptial agreement.

Starting early also provides the couple with more of a chance to negotiate a prenup like a pro. They'll have time to consider all of the paths that the future might take, and that gives them an opportunity to protect themselves, each other and their future children.

It's also wise for couples to hire their own attorney when they are drafting a prenup. An experienced lawyer knows how to structure a prenuptial agreement so that it's legally enforceable. Moreover, the attorneys can help the couple decide exactly what should and should not be included in the agreement. Consider interviewing more than one attorney so that you each find the legal professional with whom you feel comfortable working.

Negotiations for your prenup will be smoother if each partner strives to see the viewpoint of the other and to understand what is most important to them. The best prenups, and the best negotiation processes, happen when both parties feel that their concerns have been heard and addressed. Accordingly, it makes sense to enter the process with an open mind and with a focus on your partner's needs.

The process of drafting a prenuptial agreement also goes better when both partners are equally involved. While you both may verbally agree on the major tenets, it's sensible to keep each partner fully involved at every step of the way. Some couples agree to meet in a 4-way meeting together with each of their respective counsel. This way they all get on the same page and hash out and any disagreeable terms before the agreement is drafted.

Couples also are encouraged to be open to including a mediation clause in their prenuptial agreement. In the event that the couple separates and contemplates a divorce, a mediation is a low-conflict, more amicable means for the former partners to go their separate ways.

If you and your soon-to-be spouse want to learn more about how to constructively negotiate a prenup, then give the Sabra Law Group a call at (646) 472-7971.

Things to Consider Before Rushing Into a New York Remote Marriage Ceremony

On April 19, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the issuance of an executive order that allows marriage services to be conducted by clerks via video conference.

That's good news for couples who are anxious to begin their new life together, despite the pandemic. However, it does not necessarily follow that it's wise to jump into getting married remotely in New York.

It's still smart to think about all of the ways that marriage may change your lives. For instance, consider both of your career goals. Will your job or your future spouse's job someday force you to move to another city or another state? If so, is that a move that the other partner is willing to make?

For many couples, it similarly is critical to know and understand each other's finances. That means disclosing things like how much credit card and student loan debt each of you has. Moreover, you'll want to share any financial obligations that you have to a former spouse or a child from a previous relationship.

Talking about assets is just as important. To guide your financial conversation, consider entering into a prenuptial agreement before getting married remotely in New York.

Prenups may be short, simple, and straightforward or longer and more complex depending upon the couple's wishes and their financial situation. With a prenuptial agreement, it's possible to define that each partner will keep the debt that came into the relationship with them and that certain family heirlooms will remain the property of the spouse who brought it to the marriage. It's even possible to discuss potential spousal support terms.

Too many couples get married without knowing much about each other's finances. Having a prenuptial agreement drafted ensures that you're both aware of each other's financial standing. It also leads to helpful discussions regarding how you both approach money matters.

It may not seem romantic to pause to discuss a prenuptial agreement before getting married, but it nonetheless makes good sense. That is especially true during a time that is distinctly unsettled and unfamiliar. Most people's day-to-day lives look nothing like they usually do, and this can lead to decisions that one day may be regretted.

Recently, we drafted and negotiated the terms of a prenuptial agreement for a client who was initially planned to get married this summer – but his marriage was expedited shortly after Governor Cuomo’s announcement when his wife submitted for the opportunity to get married via video conference – and on television! So while a prenuptial agreement typically gets prepared and negotiated within 6-8 weeks, here we didn’t have the luxury of time and we got it done within 48 hours – even coordinating remote notarization of the agreement.

If you are considering getting married remotely in New York, then contact the Sabra Law Group at 646-472-7971. Having a prenup drafted by the Sabra Law Group is the common sense approach to getting married in these unprecedented times. Call or click here to schedule a time to speak with someone in our office.

How to Bring Up the Delicate Topic of a Prenup to Your Fiancée

According to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, more couples than ever before are signing a prenup before they say, "I do."

Despite this prevalence, prenuptial agreements remain a touchy subject. Some people just feel that they are unromantic while others believe that the suggestion of such an agreement is an admission of a lack of faith in the union. However, prenups may be entered into for numerous reasons, and they can be a loving way to plan your financial future. Here are some tips for bringing up this topic with your fiancée.

Difficult as it may be, it's best to mention that you are interested in prenuptial agreements as early as possible. Attorneys suggest broaching the topic in a casual way even before the engagement. This will help you to gauge your partner's initial reaction, which may suggest how carefully you will need to proceed.

Similarly, it's helpful to realize that an in-depth conversation about a prenup with your fiancée is likely to be awkward. The best way to deal with this is by being open and honest about your reasons for wanting a prenuptial agreement. For instance, you might mention the history of painful divorces in your family.

You further might emphasize that you expect your marriage to end with one of your deaths at the end of a long and happy life. However, if things don't turn out that way, you want to be able to go your separate ways with as much love and as little rancor as possible. A prenuptial agreement lets the two of you decide complex financial questions long before they ever arise, and that can make for a swifter, less painful divorce.

Couples frequently find success when they make drafting the prenuptial agreement a joint project. This ensures that both of their voices are heard and that they have equal input with regard to the stipulations. Both spouses can accordingly understand that their interests are protected in case the marriage doesn't go as planned. Many couples decide to work with a mediator or an attorney to iron out the specifics so that both partners feel greater peace of mind.

Contact Sabra Law Group at (646) 472-7971 to schedule your complimentary discovery session to talk about any of your questions about entering into a prenup with your fiancée. A well-crafted agreement is a loving way to demonstrate that you care about your partner's future, whatever it holds.

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