If you are engaged (or are already married) and want to ensure that you have a mutual understanding of certain obligations or specific divisions are in place, should something go awry in your marriage, then a Premarital Agreement (also known as a Prenuptial Agreement) or a Postnuptial Agreement may be the best option. These types of Agreements should not be viewed as an act of bad faith or distrust, but rather, a way to ensure that both parties have a clear understanding and mutual agreement as to how finances and other non-child-related matters will be handled in the event of a separation and divorce. Jennifer R. Ward, Esquire was an active public speaker on this topic, including a matrimonial-related lecture series at The Latin School of Chicago Adult Education Program.
This is a legally binding contract that the parties enter into prior to their marriage. It defines and details the parties agreement as to how financial and other non-child-related matters will be handled if and when the marriage ends, either by divorce or the death of one of the parties. There are a few requirements as to what must be contained in a Premarital Agreement, but generally, all of the terms contained in a Premarital Agreement are determined and mutually agreed upon by both parties. Preparing a Premarital Agreement allows parties to openly discuss any issues they think should or should not be included in the agreement, reach compromises as to any issues or concerns, and receive detailed explanations from their respective counsels regarding the provisions contained in the Agreement. As with any other contract, all terms of a Premarital Agreement must be agreed upon by both parties. If one of the parties was coerced, under duress, involuntarily signed, or otherwise executed the prenuptial agreement under false pretenses, it may not be enforceable to that end.
This is a written agreement that the parties enter into after they are married. Married couples may elect to enter into a Postnuptial Agreement for the same reasons as parties entering into a Premarital Agreement, or when they wish to provide for a specific division of assets or the fulfillment of certain obligations in the event of dissolution of marriage or death.
Both types of these agreements allow parties to openly discuss financial matters between them so that each has a clear understanding and expectation concerning their financial rights and obligations, both during the marriage and in the event of a divorce or the death of one of the spouses. It is important to note that issues of child support and parenting time cannot be incorporated into either of these agreements.
Contact WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC, today to schedule an appointment to have your desired agreement drafted.
I cannot thank Jennifer and Emily of Ward Family Law enough for guiding me through a difficult divorce process. Their expertise in family law made all the difference.
Exceptional service from start to finish. The team at Ward Family Law handled my divorce case with professionalism and compassion. Highly recommended.
Jennifer is a strategic thinker with a remarkable ability to anticipate and address potential challenges. Her attention to detail and thorough preparation were evident in every aspect of my paternity case. This meticulous approach translated into a successful resolution of establishing the father-child relationship and financial responsibility that comes with that. I felt well-represented both inside and outside the zoom courtroom.
I was referred to the firm for their expertise in handling complex business divisions during divorce proceedings. As someone entangled in a high-stakes divorce involving substantial business assets, I can attest to their unparalleled skill, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to securing the best possible outcome for their clients. From the business valuation to the creative distribution, thank you.
If you own a business or an interest in a business or stock options (or anything of real value related to a business) then you need to make sure that your divorce attorney knows what they’re doing. My first attorney had no idea and so I had to start over finding the right team that had extensive family law and divorce experience that I needed in Chicago. Their deep understanding of corporate structures, financial statements, and tax implications showcased a level of competence that instilled confidence throughout the entire process. They collaborated seamlessly with financial experts, forensic accountants, and other…
The firm’s negotiation skills were instrumental in reaching a favorable settlement that protected my financial interests while mitigating the emotional toll often associated with divorce proceedings. Enough said. Ward family law has the best team of experienced lawyers to get you what you want and deserve.
For anyone facing the challenging intersection of divorce and complex business matters, I wholeheartedly recommend Jennifer and Emily as legal eagles who goes above and beyond to safeguard their clients' interests.
Just as their law firm philosophy stated, Jennifer and Emily consistently maintained an open line of communication, promptly responding to my emails and keeping me informed at every step of the legal divorce process. This transparent approach not only fostered trust but also allowed me to actively participate in my case, making informed decisions with confidence.
What truly sets them apart from the other matrimonial lawyers is their keen attention to detail. They approached our unique situation with a meticulous eye, taking the time to understand our needs and concerns in getting married. The resulting prenuptial agreement felt tailor-made, a testament to that clear commitment to delivering personalized legal solutions.
My entire marriage was reactive. The proactive approach proposed by Jennifer alleviated any apprehensions I had, fostering trust in her team’s family law expertise and being able to understand her client’s needs. In the courtroom, the senior legal associate, Emily, demonstrated a command of legal strategy woven in with facts unique to my situation. The case was settled, but not without some court battles to get us there. Thank you for the fight when I needed it and the negotiation of settlement when it was time.
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