Although a prenuptial agreement can cover many topics, alimony is often a key addition. By creating clear agreements on alimony (also known as spousal support) ahead of time, you and your fiancé(e) can avoid unwelcome surprises later on. But is it really worth adding alimony to your prenuptial agreement? How can a family law attorney in Georgia help?
You Have to Convince Your Fiancé(e) First
Both you and your fiancé(e) have to agree on every aspect of the prenuptial agreement. Before you even start hashing out the details, you need to make sure your fiancé(e) is willing to sign a prenup in the first place. If they are not interested, there is really not much you can do. If you attempt to pressure your fiancé(e) into signing the agreement, it immediately becomes unenforceable in court.
Alimony Is a Common Addition to Prenuptial Agreements
Once you convince your fiancé(e) to engage in this process, you can bring up the topic of alimony. Many prenuptial agreements contain provisions on spousal support, and this is a common concern for those approaching marriage. The concept of alimony may be particularly concerning if you have a high income or high net worth. Alimony can be a serious financial burden for many years after a divorce.
Many spouses today believe that the concept of alimony is outdated. Courts previously enforced spousal support because women were incapable of earning their own income after divorce. Women of working age today are entirely capable of earning income, and many argue that this makes alimony an antiquated practice. Your fiancé(e) might agree with this notion, and it could be easy to convince them to forfeit their right to alimony in the event of a divorce.
How to Convince Your Fiancé(e) to Forfeit Alimony With a Prenuptial Agreement
Aside from highlighting the outdated nature of alimony as a concept, you can convince your fiancé(e) to rule out these payments in other ways. You might offer them a lump-sum amount, giving them a moderate financial cushion after divorce without committing to years of burdensome payments. You might also stress your commitment to pay child support, highlighting the fact that your children will always receive financial support in the absence of alimony.
Talk to your fiancé(e) to understand their needs and wants in more detail. Each person is different, and various concessions or sacrifices might help you achieve your goal. Your family law attorney may also negotiate on your behalf to make sure you never face any alimony payments.
Can a Georgia Alimony Lawyer Help Me?
An alimony lawyer in Georgia may be able to help if you’re approaching marriage and you’re considering a prenuptial agreement. At the end of the day, you always need to agree with your spouse on how you’d like to handle this issue. Prenuptial agreements are voluntary and require the consent of both spouses. That said, there are many ways to guide your fiancé(e) toward an outcome that serves everyone’s best interests.
