Hardly anyone enters into a marriage to divorce. However, many couples find themselves in a situation where they need to have the usually uncomfortable discussion of life after a possible divorce. This is when a couple decides to sign a prenuptial agreement, a legal document outlining the distribution of assets between them in the event of a divorce.
Signing a prenuptial agreement requires a prenup lawyer as it’s a process that involves detailed information, research, and a myriad of financial possibilities after divorce. Such complex processes require legal expertise, which will guide you in the best possible direction. Here are five things to look for in a prenup lawyer should you find yourselves going your separate ways:
- Experience
The prenup lawyer you choose should have experience and be knowledgeable about the specific dynamics of a prenup agreement. A prenup lawyer from a firm such as Musson Law will be knowledgeable about the financial dynamics of a divorce, which include:
- The protection of children’s inheritance
- The stating and protection of inherited assets, money, and savings before or during the union
- Protection from spouse’s debt
- Outlining the right to say when it comes to division of property
You can tell whether lawyers are about such dynamics when you visit their website or interact with them. If you visit a firm’s website and leave with a general understanding of what a prenup agreement is, the information required to draw it up, and the general process of solidifying it, you can consider the team as experienced and able to provide you with the best possible services.
- Qualifications
A lawyer should have a degree and passed the bar exams. However, when it comes to matters concerning marriage and family, you may want to consider a prenup lawyer who’s well-versed in collaborative family law. Collaborative family law includes courses that focus on the ability to guide negotiations and manage conflicts that arise within families regarding prenup discussions and divorce proceedings.
Discussions about prenup agreements sometimes lead to intense conflict, such that one partner doesn’t see the reason why the other partner is requiring for a prenup to get signed. Issues of lack of trust regarding properties owned, for instance, may be brought up and can cause strain. A prenup lawyer qualified in collaborative law can appropriately navigate and diffuse such discussions with other family members who may be involved in the conflict. This means that the couple can enjoy their union without disgruntlement over the prenup agreement.
- Communication Style
A prenup lawyer should be able to communicate openly and precisely when it comes to drawing up your prenuptial agreement. If you ask for clarification, unfamiliar terms or legal jargon should be explained in non-specialist terms. If you experience uptight responses or vague suggestions, you might be putting yourself in a situation where you sign a document without fully understanding the content. You’ll then be surprised by the turn of events during the divorce proceedings. You’re probably in safe hands if you can openly ask questions or ask for clarity without pushback.
- Fee Structure
The lawyer’s fee structure should be transparent to decide whether you can afford the services or meet the payment structures and processes. You should know whether you get billed hourly or if you’re expected to pay a flat fee, for example. Additional charges should also be outlined so that you’re not in a position where you thought you already covered all the service fees when you hadn’t.
- Media Presence
Nowadays, digital space is the track record that you need to consider whether you’d want to engage with a service provider or not. If a prenup lawyer has a media presence in blogs, podcasts, television shows, or videos, you get a feel of their brand, legal handling style, and expertise. The advice, tips, and caution that come from the experts will help you in the particular prenup agreement, as well as when you may find yourself in a situation where the prenup has to come into effect. Generally speaking, lawyers who share general advice regarding such dynamics are authentic in their work.
Conclusion
When looking for a prenup lawyer, some factors to consider are experience and knowledgeability. Specific qualifications such as specializing in collaborative family law are a plus when diffusing conflict that may arise. Also, the fee structure has to be transparent so you can decide whether you can engage their services. Furthermore, the media presence of the lawyer will help educate you more on the dynamics of divorce, which will help you navigate it should you find yourself in that position.
