More couples opting for prenups before walking down the aisle

More couples are choosing to sign prenuptial agreements before they get married.

When planning a wedding, many people get bogged down in the details: What should the flowers look like? Who should be in the wedding party? Where should the honeymoon take place? While these are all exciting questions to answer, more couples these days are also addressing the more practical issues of getting married.

In many cases, couples are deciding that they should sign a prenuptial agreement before exchanging wedding rings. A survey was conducted of the attorneys in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers regarding the use of prenuptial agreements. Of those questioned, 63 percent of the attorneys indicated they had seen a rise in the number of couples who decided to sign a prenuptial agreement over the past three years in the U.S.

Prenups can address debt, in addition to wealth

Often, people assume prenuptial agreements are a tool used only by the very wealthy. In fact, prenups can be helpful for individuals at any income level.

These days, many couples find themselves facing significant debt as they enter into a marriage. For instance, people may come into the marriage with credit card debt or student loans. Prenuptial agreements can set forth how those debts will be paid and the effect that arrangement will have on other financial obligations the couple encounters.

Of course, prenups continue to be a valuable tool to address assets owned by each individual when entering into the marriage. Whether the individual has significant wealth or is expecting to receive an inheritance, a prenuptial agreement can clearly outline what will become of those assets should the marriage end in divorce.

Consider including a social media clause

Another way in which prenuptial agreements have become useful in recent years is the addition of a social media clause. Typically, these provisions place restrictions on the type of content each partner can post on social media should the marriage be unsuccessful.

For instance, a social media clause may prohibit either spouse from posting embarrassing or inappropriate photographs on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or other popular sites. In addition, it may specify that derogatory comments about the other spouse cannot be posted on such sites.

In most cases, violation of a social media clause contained in a prenuptial agreement results in a monetary penalty.

If you recently got engaged or you are thinking about popping the question, consider talking to your soon-to-be significant other about a prenuptial agreement. In such situations, it is a good idea to seek the counsel of a skilled family law attorney, who will be able to work with you to make certain your interests are protected.

Keywords: prenuptial agreements, divorce, social media