I Am Just Months Away from Saying “I Do” in Chicago and Now My Fiancé Wants a Prenup – What Should I Do?

There is no doubt that for most Chicago couples who are soon to say “I do,” the months leading up to a wedding are exciting, challenging, and, for many planning a large celebration, stressful. In addition, sometimes weddings can bring unexpected conversations about finances and legal protection, especially as the days tick by and the couple gets closer to walking down the aisle. One common situation that many Chicago couples face is the discussion of a prenuptial agreement, or “prenup,” right before the wedding. If your fiancé has just brought up a prenup and you are just months away from saying “I do” in Chicago, it is important to know your rights and options under Illinois law, so that you can decide what to do next. To help individuals in Chicago who are soon to be married, and who have been presented with a prenup, better understand this important tool under Illinois laws, we explain the basics of prenups here, and where you can turn for legal help.

Understanding Prenuptial Agreements in Chicago Under Illinois Laws

What is a prenuptial agreement? Simply put, it is a legally binding contract made under Illinois laws. The law that governs prenuptial agreements in Illinois is called the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Under the Act, prenuptial agreements in Chicago typically are crafted to address important issues such as how the couple’s marital property will be divided if they get divorced, if there will be any spousal support (alimony), and how property acquired pre-marriage (such as inheritances and other property) should be divided. Although prenups often get a bad rap in made-for-TV movies and in dramatic television shows, the truth is that prenups can be especially useful for couples with significant assets, business interests, or children from prior relationships. They provide clarity and help prevent disputes later.

What to Do if Your Soon-to-Be Spouse Asks You to Sign a Prenuptial Agreement in Chicago

If your spouse proposes entering into a prenuptial agreement, and you are soon to be married, you may feel intimidated and confused, but it is best not to throw your hands up and call everything off just yet. The first thing to keep in mind is that prenuptial agreements are negotiable, and you are not required to sign anything, if you do not agree. Staying calm and communicating with your soon-to-be spouse about the purpose of the prenup and their goals can be a good first step to better understanding the proposed prenup. The next thing that you should do is get in touch with an experienced Chicago pre and postnuptial agreements lawyer to discuss your rights and options. An experienced Chicago pre and postnuptial agreements lawyer can help you better understand the terms of the prenuptial agreement, and can negotiate on your behalf to ensure that your rights and interests are protected prior to saying “I do.”

If you are in the Chicago area and you need legal help with your prenuptial agreement, contact the experienced Chicago pre and postnuptial agreements lawyers at Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC. Contact Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC and speak with a lawyer now.

Source:

ilga.gov/Legislation/ILCS/Articles?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=100000&SeqEnd=900000