Maryland Prenuptial Agreements

A prenuptial agreement, often referred to as a “prenup,” is a contract entered into by couples contemplating marriage. They are commonly used to protect assets brought into the marriage by one or both spouses in the event the couple should divorce. If you or your future spouse have extensive assets, ownership in family businesses, or children from previous relationships, you may find prenuptial agreements especially helpful, but they are also useful in a variety of other circumstances.

Prenuptial agreements can be used to clarify how you intend to deal with finances, debt, or other matters during your marriage. The process of creating a prenuptial agreement requires you to discuss and agree upon the management of matters that are important to you, which can actually strengthen your marriage. If you should later divorce, a thorough and carefully-prepared agreement can reduce the stress and expense of the process, as you will have already addressed and decided important issues in your prenuptial agreement.

In order for you to reap the benefits of a prenuptial agreement, however, the agreement must be enforceable. Maryland, like most states, has requirements for prenuptial agreements. Prenuptial agreements must be in writing, signed by you and your future spouse, and each of you must have had the opportunity to obtain your own legal representation; it is unethical for one attorney to represent both of you. It is also crucial for both of you to make a complete financial disclosure. In order to avoid the appearance that one of you signed the agreement under duress, it is best to have the prenuptial agreement negotiated and signed well in advance of your wedding date.

Skilled Fulton Attorney for Prenuptial Agreement

Family law attorney Shelly Ingram has extensive experience working with individuals who are contemplating entering into a prenuptial agreement. Shelly is skilled both in drafting agreements, and in carefully reviewing agreements prepared by other attorneys. She is committed to making sure that agreements cover all the issues that are important to you, and that you understand what you are gaining and what you are giving up by entering into a prenuptial agreement.

The Law Office of Shelly Ingram serves clients throughout Maryland, including Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's Counties. Major cities we serve include Columbia, Baltimore, Bethesda and Silver Spring.

We invite you to review our Prenuptial Agreements FAQs to learn more about whether a prenuptial agreement could be right for you, and to contact the Law Office of Shelly Ingram at (301) 658-7354 or info@shellyingramlaw.com to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you protect your assets and your relationship.