Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements allow couples to set clear expectations for their financial future and protect their assets. With Ohio’s recent law change allowing postnuptial agreements, couples now have more flexibility to create or modify these important legal documents at any stage of their marriage.
Why Choose Lewis Legal for Prenups & Postnuptial Agreements in Columbus:
- Provides reasonable and logical advice considering both parties’ perspectives
- Focuses on creating fair agreements that allow both parties to move forward confidently
- Helps protect both spouses, especially in cases of income imbalance
- Works collaboratively with both parties to develop mutually beneficial agreements
- Ensures proper protections for stay-at-home parents or those taking career breaks
“I believe in considering both parties’ perspectives. My goal is to ensure that each person will be able to move forward with financial security in the event that their marriage ends. You want to begin your marriage confidently with a very fair prenup.”
Pricing varies based on the complexity of the agreement and individual needs. Simple agreements may qualify for flat-fee pricing, while more complex situations are billed at an hourly rate.
What Makes Your Business Unique: The focus is on creating balanced, forward-thinking agreements that protect both parties while maintaining the spirit of partnership in marriage. Special attention is given to addressing future scenarios like stay-at-home parenting, disability, or career changes.
5-Step Process for Getting Started with A Prenup or Postnuptial Agreement in Columbus:
- Schedule your initial consultation
- Discuss your needs and get answers to initial questions
- Both parties complete financial disclosure forms
- Review first draft of the agreement
- Sign final documents in office (each party receives an original copy)
5-Step Process for a Successful Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement in Columbus:
- Ensure both parties are comfortable with the agreement
- Allow adequate time for review and consideration
- Include flexibility for future amendments
- Maintain room for growth within the document
- Establish clear communication about expectations
Options for Different Types of Prenuptial Agreements in Columbus
Prenuptial Agreements:
Created before marriage to protect assets and establish financial expectations.
Postnuptial Agreements:
Similar to prenups but created after marriage, useful for protecting new businesses, inherited assets, or addressing changing financial circumstances.
Case Study
A recent client sought protection while supporting their partner’s recovery journey. The agreement was crafted to accommodate rehabilitation periods while maintaining financial stability, demonstrating how these agreements can support complex personal situations while protecting both parties’ interests.
FAQ about Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreements in Columbus
Can prenuptial and postnuptial agreements be changed?
Yes, they can be amended or revoked through proper documentation.
Can agreements include different terms based on marriage duration?
Yes, though there are many ways to structure the agreement beyond time-based tiers.
Do I need a prenup to protect assets I owned before marriage?
Not necessarily in Ohio, but a prenup can provide additional protection, especially if you move to another state.
Will the agreement be valid if we move to another state?
Yes, the agreement follows Ohio law regardless of where you live.
How long before the wedding should we start the prenup process?
Several months before the wedding is recommended to ensure adequate time for review and consideration.
Can I sign a prenuptial agreement after I am married?
No. In Ohio, you must sign a prenuptial agreement before you are married. You must sign it well in advance of your wedding date to ensure that it will be legally enforceable.
Is it a bad sign to be talking about getting divorced before we are even married? I’m worried that if I ask for a prenup, my fiancé may think I do not trust them.
Absolutely not. A prenuptial agreement can ensure you do not lose your financial security in case you unexpectedly divorce. A prenup does not mean that you do not love or trust your partner. In fact, a prenup ensures both you and your fiancé are protected if you ever divorce by establishing your legal rights and expectations up front. While you certainly expect your marriage to be successful, it doesn’t hurt to have a prenuptial agreement just in case. You must sign a prenuptial agreement before you are married, because if you find yourself in a situation where you realize you need one, it will be too late.
Can you have only one attorney for a prenuptial agreement? My fiancé and I have an agreement, we just need a lawyer to draft the paperwork. Can you do this?
Yes, but an attorney can only provide legal advice to one person, not both parties. I can draft the paperwork for both you and your fiancé. If you already have an agreement, it should not be an issue if you do not both have an attorney. However, if you have a disagreement over the terms in the prenup, I can only advise and represent one person. The person I do not represent may hire their own attorney to advise and represent them. Some couples will hire me to draft the prenuptial agreement, and the person I do not represent will hire their own attorney simply to review the prenuptial agreement and advise them before they sign it.
My fiancé’s attorney drafted a prenuptial agreement, and I just want you to review it to let me know if there is anything I should be concerned about. Is this possible?
Yes. I can review a prenuptial agreement drafted by another attorney and provide legal advice regarding your rights and options. I will answer your questions and ensure you feel confident that your agreement is accurately reflected in the document you sign. After our meeting, you may decide that you are comfortable with proceeding on your own without further representation, or you may decide to retain me to negotiate on your behalf if needed.
How long does it take to complete a prenup agreement?
The time it takes to complete a prenuptial agreement depends on how long it takes you and your fiancé to reach an agreement. You want to begin the process early so that you can sign your prenup well in advance of your wedding date. These typically take several weeks to complete. If you sign your prenup the day of your wedding or close to it, it may not be legally enforceable. Courts have found that prenuptial agreements signed on the day of a wedding or extremely close to a wedding may have been signed under duress and are not legally enforceable. Give yourself plenty of time to negotiate and finalize the terms of your prenuptial agreement so you can enjoy your wedding planning and begin your marriage with confidence.
Contact Us To Request A Consultation
If you’re ready to explore your options for dissolution, need an experienced attorney to draft or review a dissolution agreement, or have questions about the process, contact Lewis Legal today to request a consultation with a dissolution lawyer in Columbus.
The material on this webpage has been prepared by Lewis Legal Solutions for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific matter. No attorney-client relationship is implied or created by the information found on this website. Lewis Legal Solutions practices law within the state of Ohio. Individuals should seek the advice of legal counsel licensed in their state.