For anyone who follows the glitz and glam of the Hollywood crowd, there is no doubt prenuptial agreements have always been a mainstay on Hollywood Boulevard, but has the prenup finally traveled to Main Street, U.S.A.? The answer, yes as it is now notable that prenuptial agreements are not reserved for the rich and famous. It is estimated that more prenup agreements are being drafted at the request of 46 percent of women nationwide.
As researched as far back as 2010, an interactive Harris poll revealed that 44 percent of all singles and 49 percent of all couples who enlisted the assistance of a prenuptial agreement attorney believed that a prenuptial agreement was not only a good idea but an integral part of the wedding plan process. Fifteen percent of those polled had wished they had opted for one.
The following six factors may prove the most influential as the landscape of prenuptial agreements undergoes a territorial expansion.
Hard to Calculate Business Endeavors
In the land of the start-up, business interests and stock options are often difficult to calculate. Valuation methods may not produce an accurate calculation of assets which can lead to apprehension and opportunities to hide various assets. A well drafted prenuptial agreement can discourage deception and provide a realistic business valuation.
New Median Age of the Happy Couple
As a result of a 2011 Pew research report, the median age of brides and grooms have undergone a significant social shift. No longer are couples opting to marry in their early or mid twenties, but are now waiting to wed closer to age 30. By doing so, personal assets of both partners have been pre-established and a well-drafted prenuptial can protect individual assets.
High Ratio of Debt
In today’s society, the old pick-up line of, “What is your sign?” may be replaced by, “Are your student loans satisfied”? With more than $1.2 trillion of outstanding student loan debt, a prenuptial will insulate each individual against assuming responsibility for not only their spouse’s student loan debt but other pre-existing instances of debt in the event of divorce.
Family Matters
In the event of an already blended family, recent editions or embryos set aside for hopes of a future family, a prenuptial can outline a legal course of action to protect all present family members or the future of those yet to come.
Social Media
Once only used by the Hollywood or business elite, the confidentiality clause is now being inserted into many prenuptial agreements nationwide. With the expansion of social media, the promotion and discussion of the benefits of drafting a prenuptial agreement is now reaching far beyond Hollywood Boulevard and making an impact on Main Street, U.S.A.
The legal team at the Law Office of Martoccio & Martoccio understand that planning for a wedding can be overwhelming. If drafting a prenuptial agreement was included in your wedding planning, we urge you to schedule an initial consultation with our experienced Hinsdale prenuptial agreement attorneys today.
Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/22/prenups-_n_4145551.html
http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2011/12/14/barely-half-of-u-s-adults-are-married-a-record-low/