Pittsburgh Postnuptial Agreement Lawyer
If you have already married but want to ensure that your assets and property are protected in the event of a divorce, reach out to an experienced postnuptial agreement lawyer in Pittsburgh for assistance.
Whether you had a spur-of-the-moment wedding or simply did not previously consider implementing a prenuptial agreement before you and your spouse walked down the aisle, you are not without options for safeguarding yourself if your marriage should come to an end. Also referred to as postmarital agreements, postnups are often sought when one or both spouses want to make sure that their assets are protected should their marriage irretrievably break down in the future.
However, obtaining a postnuptial agreement can be complex, and you will want to make sure that the appropriate components are included. With this in mind, working with a knowledgeable Pittsburgh postnuptial agreement lawyer at Lisa Marie Vari & Associates, P.C. can confirm that your postnup concludes all of the necessary terms so you and your spouse both have a firm understanding of what will happen next if your marriage dissolves in the future.
The Purpose of a Postnup
There are several different reasons why even a happily married couple would be interested in obtaining a postnuptial agreement. Your postnup will clearly outline the important aspects of your divorce, which can make the divorce process far less challenging than if you had to sort out these details without a binding postnup.
It is an excellent option for spouses who individually have a high net worth or valuable assets that they want to protect from being considered marital property if the marriage falls apart. Equitable distribution laws in Pennsylvania will require that all marital property and assets be fairly divided upon your divorce, which is why outlining that certain items will remain yours in the event of a divorce is well-advised.
Additionally, if one spouse has substantial debts, a postnuptial agreement can protect the other spouse from being held accountable for a portion of these debts should your marriage end in divorce.
Writing Your Postnuptial Agreement
Figuring out what details should be included when devising your postnup will be the responsibility of your attorney. As previously mentioned, the division of your property and assets can be clearly described in your postnup and protect certain assets, properties, inheritances, and other high-value items.
What is more, your postnuptial agreement can also discuss whether the higher-earning spouse will be paying alimony to the lesser-earning spouse if you decide to go your separate ways.
Alimony is not guaranteed in Pennsylvania divorces, but generally speaking, when a couple divorces, both parties should be able to maintain their standard of living once the divorce is finalized.
This means that the higher-earning spouse will typically pay alimony until the lesser-earning spouse is able to support themselves. Having plans for a divorce that may or may not happen may seem ominous, but you and your spouse should certainly consider obtaining a postnup so that both parties are better prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Although some states do allow you to include child custody, parenting plans, visitation schedules, and child support components in your postnup agreement, in Pennsylvania this is not the case. These details will need to be taken care of separately and may not be included in your postnup.
Consult with a Postnuptial Agreement Attorney in Pittsburgh
For help enacting a postnup that can protect you if your marriage comes to an end, meet with a Pittsburgh postnuptial agreement lawyer at Lisa Marie Vari & Associates, P.C. You can schedule your no-obligation consultation by completing the submission form at the bottom of this page or giving our office a call at 1-844-VARI-LAW (827-4529).