Columbus Prenuptial Agreement Attorney

Protect Your Future with a Premarital Agreement

No matter how much you love someone, there is no guarantee your marriage will last a lifetime. With all the stresses of life, family and financial obligations, and the daily pressures of work, it is easy to lose sight of what is important. Marriage is a commitment you should take seriously. If you are getting married, you should take the necessary steps to protect your future.

Attorney Nina P. Scopetti, Esq., helps individuals and couples plan for the future with a prenuptial agreement. She has more than 25 years of experience in the areas of family law and litigation and is committed to providing her clients with quality legal representation. If you are considering a prenuptial agreement, contact the firm for a consultation.

Contact us online or call (614) 664-6409 to schedule a consultation with our Columbus prenuptial agreement lawyer.

What Is a Prenuptial Agreement?

A prenuptial agreement is a contract entered into by two parties in contemplation of marriage. It outlines the property rights of each party and the distribution of property in the event the parties do not marry or if the marriage ends in divorce.

What are the Key Components of a Prenuptial Agreement in Ohio?

To be enforceable in Ohio, a prenuptial agreement must include certain elements:

• Full Disclosure of Assets: Both parties must fully disclose their assets, debts, and income. Transparency is crucial for the agreement to hold up in court.
• Voluntary Agreement: Both parties must enter into the agreement voluntarily without coercion or undue pressure. Each party should have the opportunity to review the document independently.
• Fair and Reasonable Terms: The terms of the prenup must be fair and reasonable at the time of signing. An agreement that heavily favors one party may be challenged in court.
• Written Document: The prenup must be in writing and signed by both parties. Oral agreements are not enforceable.
• Legal Compliance: The agreement must comply with Ohio law and public policy. Certain provisions, such as those affecting child support or custody, may not be enforceable in a prenup. Our prenup attorneys in Columbus can help you with these legal procedures.

Who Should Consider a Prenuptial Agreement?

While prenuptial agreements are often associated with wealthy individuals, they can benefit a wide range of couples. Consider a prenup if:

• One or both partners have significant assets or properties.
• There are existing debts, such as student loans or credit card debt.
• One partner has children from a previous relationship and wishes to protect their inheritance.
• A substantial difference in income or earning potential exists between the partners.
• Either party is entering into the marriage with a business that they want to protect.

Regardless of financial status, a prenup can provide peace of mind for both parties. Contact our Columbus prenuptial agreement attorney to draft an agreement that suits your and your future spouse's needs.

Why Do People Get Prenuptial Agreements?

Although they are often misunderstood, prenuptial agreements are actually quite common. While they are generally used to outline property rights in the event of a divorce, they can be used for a number of other purposes as well.

Some common reasons people seek prenuptial agreements include:

• Protecting separate property, such as property acquired before the marriage or inherited during the marriage
• Protecting separate debts, such as credit card debt or personal loans
• Outlining how assets and debts will be divided in the event of a divorce
• Protecting a spouse's income from the financial obligations of the marriage
• Protecting a spouse's future social security benefits
• Protecting the spouse's pension benefits

These are just a few examples. A prenuptial agreement can outline any property rights a couple would like to address. This is why prenuptial agreements are so important. Without one, your property will be divided according to Ohio law, which may not necessarily be in your best interests.

The Importance of a Prenuptial Agreement

The purpose of a prenuptial agreement is to outline the property rights of each party and the distribution of property in the event the parties do not marry or if the marriage ends in divorce. While this may sound cutthroat, it is actually a very practical and necessary tool. Without a prenuptial agreement, your property will be divided according to Ohio law, which may not necessarily be in your best interests.

In Ohio, the law requires that property be divided equally in a divorce. However, this does not necessarily mean what is best for you. For example, if you have been married for a long time and acquired a lot of property during the marriage, it is likely that the property will be divided equally. The same is true for debts, such as credit card debt and personal loans. If you have a lot of debt, it is likely the debt will be divided equally as well.

While this may sound fair, it is not necessarily what is best for you. For example, if you have a lot of property, it may not be in your best interest to leave it all behind in a divorce. Likewise, if you have a lot of debt, you may not want to be responsible for the entire amount. With the help of our prenuptial agreement attorney, you can decide what happens to your property and what your financial obligations will be in the event of a divorce. It is your decision.

Let our Columbus prenuptial agreement attorney help you protect your assets. Contact us online or call at (614) 664-6409 to schedule a consultation.

Steps to Creating a Customized Prenuptial Agreement

Creating a prenuptial agreement doesn’t have to be a daunting task. At Nina P. Scopetti Attorney At Law, we guide you through each step to ensure that your agreement reflects your unique circumstances and protects your interests. Here’s a simple outline of the process:

1. Initial Consultation: Schedule a meeting with our experienced prenup attorneys in Columbus to discuss your needs, concerns, and goals for the agreement.
2. Information Gathering: We’ll help you compile necessary financial documents and personal information to create a comprehensive picture of your assets and liabilities.
3. Drafting the Agreement: Our legal team will draft a prenuptial agreement tailored to your specific situation, ensuring it meets all legal requirements in Ohio.
4. Review and Negotiation: We will review the draft with you and assist in negotiating terms with your partner’s legal representation, if applicable.
5. Finalization: Once both parties are satisfied with the terms, we’ll finalize the agreement for signing, ensuring that all legal formalities are observed.

By following these steps, you can create a prenuptial agreement that not only protects your assets but also fosters open communication and trust between you and your partner. 

How Can an Attorney Help Me Get a Fair Prenuptial Agreement?

An attorney can play a crucial role in helping you get a fair prenuptial agreement by ensuring that the agreement is legally sound, equitable, and tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. 

Here are some ways in which our prenuptial agreement lawyer in Columbus can assist you in this process:

• Legal Expertise: A prenuptial agreement is a legal document, and an attorney can provide the necessary legal expertise to draft, review, and negotiate the agreement. We can ensure that the agreement complies with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Understanding Your Goals: Our attorney will take the time to understand your objectives and concerns. We will work with you to create an agreement that reflects your wishes and priorities while also protecting your rights.
• Full Disclosure: We can help ensure that both parties provide full and accurate financial disclosures. This is crucial for the agreement's validity and fairness.
• Negotiation: If there are aspects of the prenuptial agreement that need to be negotiated, our attorney can engage in productive discussions with the other party's attorney to reach mutually agreeable terms.
• Protection of Interests: We will work to protect your interests and ensure that the agreement is not one-sided or unconscionable. We can advise you on what terms are fair and reasonable.
• Review of Terms: Our Columbus prenuptial agreement lawyer will review the proposed terms of the agreement to ensure they are clear, unambiguous, and adequately address the issues you intend to cover.
• Legal Counsel: We can provide you with legal advice and explanations about the implications of different clauses and terms within the agreement. This will help you make informed decisions.
• Documentation: We will ensure that the agreement is properly drafted, signed, and notarized, meeting all the legal requirements for enforceability.
• Conflict Resolution: If disputes or disagreements arise during the prenuptial agreement process, we can help mediate and find solutions that both parties can accept.
• Enforceability: A well-drafted and fair prenuptial agreement is more likely to be upheld in court should it ever be challenged. We will work to increase the agreement's chances of being enforced.
• Post-Nuptial Agreements: In some cases, a prenuptial agreement may need to be amended or supplemented after marriage. We can assist with the creation of post-nuptial agreements to address changing circumstances or preferences.

By working with an experienced Columbus prenuptial agreement attorney, you can help ensure that your prenuptial agreement is fair, legally valid, and tailored to your unique needs and circumstances.

Contact Our Firm Today

Prenuptial agreements are an important way to protect your property and financial interests. If you are considering a prenuptial agreement, contact the firm for a consultation. Attorney Nina P. Scopetti has more than 25 years of experience in the areas of family law and litigation and is committed to providing her clients with quality legal representation.

Contact us online or call at (614) 664-6409 to speak with our prenuptial agreement attorney in Columbus today!

Helpful Resources

• Ohio State Bar Association - Prenuptial Agreements