When a marriage is over, both spouses will encounter significant changes in their personal lives. A Virginia spouse may have to move, may see his or her children less often or may need to move. These transitions are difficult, but there are legal options available that will allow spouses to avoid some of the difficulty of a divorce. One of these options is a postnuptial agreement, which is a legal document that outlines what will happen in the event of a divorce.
Prenuptial agreement or postnuptial agreement?
A prenuptial agreement is a document drafted before marriage that allows a couple to determine how marital property will be divided in case of a divorce. However, a postnuptial agreement is a document drafted after a marriage takes place. Both of these contracts function in the same way. A postnuptial agreement is an option for couples that did not create this agreement before they walked down the aisle.
In a postnuptial contract, a couple will determine how they want to divide marital property in the event of a divorce. In this document, a couple can also outline their individual financial responsibilities during marriage. Like a prenup, a postnuptial agreement can provide confidence and protection for both parties.
Drafting a legal agreement
A postnuptial agreement is a binding legal contract. It is helpful to have the support and guidance of an experienced Virginia family law attorney when creating this agreement. An assessment of a couple’s needs, objectives and financial details can provide insight into the terms that should be included in an individual agreement.