When you’re planning a wedding, your head is usually full of menus, music, guest lists and flowers. It’s typically not drawing up a prenuptial agreement [or “prenup”] with the one you love.
Just like the cake and the photographer, a prenup is part of planning for happily-ever-after.
Now, before you picture dramatic courtroom scenes or assume prenups are just for the super-rich [because I certainly did], let’s clear something up, a prenup is actually something every couple should consider, no matter how much is in the bank.
Just like you insure your car and home, safeguarding your financial future is simply a smart move. Because as romantic as forever might sound [and believe me, I love a good love story], life can sometimes have other plans.
What exactly is a prenup?
A prenup is a legal contract that protects you and your spouse-to-be in the event that your marriage doesn’t work out.
Also known as a Binding Financial Agreement [or BFA], it outlines how things [we’re talking assets, finances and even debts] would be handled if your relationship ever came to an end.
These agreements are legally binding and can cover everything from property and superannuation to spousal maintenance.
Good to know: A prenup can be signed before, during, or even after a marriage or de facto relationship begins [so no, you don’t have to be married to put one in place].
Why do I need a prenup?
A prenup is a smart, practical way to approach your future together with clarity, honesty and mutual protection. It helps make sure that if life doesn’t go as planned, everyone is looked after, including each other.
It’s especially worth considering if you already have children from a previous relationship, or if you own property [maybe something you inherited before you got together]. You might have a business you’ve built from the ground up, or savings and assets you’ve worked hard for long before your relationship began. A prenup can help protect those things and give you peace of mind moving forward.
It can also help separate debt, making sure that responsibility for any pre-existing loans or liabilities stays with the person who brought them into the relationship [yup, I don’t need anyone else’s credit card debt!].
A prenup isn’t about expecting the worst or planning for a breakup – it’s about being prepared, just in case. It means you’re thinking ahead and doing one of those grown-up, practical things that can make a big difference later – and help avoid unnecessary stress, expense or conflict if things don’t go to plan.
And that just makes sense.
But asking for a prenup could be awkward
Yeah, of course, it might feel a little uncomfortable to bring it up with your partner. [Let’s be honest, it’s probably not the most romantic topic for date night].
But having that open, honest conversation can actually strengthen your relationship.
It shows you’re thinking clearly, planning for the long term and committed to doing the right thing, for yourself, your partner, and anyone else who may be affected.
Think of it as setting healthy boundaries and helping to prevent stress or conflict down the track.
You’re not planning for things to fall apart, you’re actually planning for life together. And a prenup is simply part of the bigger picture.
Local support and expertise you can trust
While prenups might sound simple, they’re legally complex, and it’s essential to have the right advice to make sure your agreement is fair, enforceable and tailored to your circumstances.
If you’re not sure where to start, you’re definitely not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. That’s where Samantha and her team at Lewis Family Lawyers come in.
Based right here in the Southern Highlands, Lewis Family Lawyers are trusted local experts in family law, including prenups and Binding Financial Agreements. They can guide you through the process with clarity, empathy and absolute discretion, helping you feel informed, supported and confident from the very start.
If you’re tying the knot, moving in together, or just looking into prenup options, they’ll support you every step of the way.
Reach out to Lewis Family Lawyers for a friendly, confidential chat and get expert legal advice tailored to your situation.
Because protecting your future is one of the most loving things you can do for yourself, and for the people you care about.
