Too many Texas couples don’t get a prenuptial agreement because they’re afraid to broach the subject with their future spouse. If you’re smart, the two of you have already had some discussions about money. If you haven’t, the prenup discussion is a good time to start comparing your views about money and your financial goals.
Even if you’ve discussed money in the past, the prenup talk can be a tricky one. Some people aren’t going to respond well no matter how sensitively you deal with the topic. However, there are strategies for helping the discussion go more smoothly.
— Choose your timing carefully. Bring up the subject when you have time and privacy. By all means, don’t mention it for the first time in the middle of an argument.– Reassure your fiance that a prenup protects both of you. Don’t make it sound like you’re just looking out for yourself.
— Present the prenup as no different than an insurance policy or a will. Of course, you don’t want to think about the possibility of divorce any more than your house being destroyed in a hurricane or an untimely death. However, you should always be prepared for the worst.– Be honest about what you want to protect and why. It helps if your partner doesn’t think that you have a hidden agenda. Chances are, your expectations are fair.– Listen to your partner’s concerns. Even if he or she gets angry, find out what is at the heart of that reaction and work to assuage those concerns. Point out that you both can (and should) have your own attorneys when drawing up the prenup to protect your interests.– If the attempt at a prenup discussion goes nowhere or devolves into a fight, try again later when you’re both calmer.
If you still can’t convince your intended spouse to agree to a prenup, your attorney can likely provide some advice and strategy. Not having a prenup can lead to serious financial consequences down the line.
Source: Huffington Post, “How to Prepare for THAT Prenup Conversation,” James J. Sexton, Feb. 26, 2016
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