You may have married when you were too young or impetuous the first time around, but the divorce taught you a thing or two.
You did not have a prenuptial agreement then, but you insisted on it when you married for the second time. Unfortunately, the marriage is over, but in one respect, this divorce will be easier because you thought ahead. Here are four of the lessons you put into practice:
1. Acting before the wedding
Putting a prenuptial agreement in place before the wedding, when you are both in love and more prone to be agreeable, is a good idea; then, you can put it out of your mind. You want to enjoy your wedding day, not think about how the marriage might end.
2. Being clear-headed
Both parties must understand what they are doing when they sign a prenuptial agreement. This is a legally-binding document, which should be prepared with legal assistance. At some point in time, it could help settle property ownership, child support issues and other family disputes.
3. Understanding finances
Full financial records from each party will be essential when a prenup is being developed. Remember that once the agreement is signed, it will not be easily broken. One of the major reasons for having a prenup in a remarriage situation is so that children of a previous marriage will be protected and provided for if a parent should pass away.
4. Keeping assets separate
To avoid legal problems, a prenuptial agreement must be highly detailed. For example, personal items that you want to pass along to heirs should be included. After you marry, do not commingle all your assets. Keep certain assets as separate property, such as cash or stocks.
Avoiding complex issues
You are probably older—and somewhat wiser—as you approach the end of your second marriage. Every divorce is painful to some extent, but because you and your soon-to-be-ex drew up a prenuptial agreement, a parting of the ways at this point in your life will not be as stressful as it might have been.
