Many of you reading this blog are likely familiar with some of the important benefits offered by prenuptial agreements. A couple who is entering a marriage can use the agreement as a means to gain clarity in regard to how assets should be divided if the relationship does not work out as hoped.
Often the focus of asset division is placed on items that have tangible monetary value. Real estate, business interests, investments and retirement plans are frequently subject to inclusion in a prenup. However, a prenup can also include things that have a more personal value.
Recently, the Boston Globe published an article describing how of late, there has been an increase of disagreements stemming from custody battles over family pets. This problem has lawyers recommending that couples add pet provisions to prenuptial agreements.
One reason for working out potential pet possession problems in advance is that generally, courts do not consider the issue during divorce proceedings. A radio personality who does a show about pets describes how custody of a beloved furry friend could be used as a way for couples to exact revenge on one another. This, she says, is not in the best interest of the pet.
The lawyers interviewed for the story conceded that they had not had an abundance of couples putting pet provisions into their prenups. But when you consider how attached people become to their pets, such a move would make sense.
If you have plans to be married in the not-too-distant future, you may want to take a personal inventory of everything that will be part of your new shared household. In the event of a divorce, it can be of great comfort to have assurances that you will be able to keep those things that you hold most precious.
A Texas family law attorney could help you draw up a prenuptial agreement that protects your interests and helps prevent protracted debates about possession of assets and personal belongings.
Source: The Boston Globe, “Divorce lawyers see uptick in ‘pet prenups’,” James Sullivan, Nov. 22, 2014
