Starting a life together is a big step and you deserve to feel confident about your future. While it’s easy to think prenuptial agreements are only for the wealthy, they’re a smart step for many couples.
According to a recent report, 15% of married or engaged couples today choose a prenup, helping them clarify finances, protect assets, and avoid potential conflicts down the line. It may seem unromantic, but a prenup can strengthen trust and communication between you and your partner.
At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, we understand that discussing a prenup isn’t easy. Our Chevy Chase prenuptial agreement attorneys are here to support you in creating a foundation of openness and trust as you begin this new chapter.
Why Choose Our Chevy Chase Prenuptial Agreement Lawyers?
Here’s why so many Chevy Chase couples choose us to handle their prenuptial agreements:
- Award-winning firm recognized on the 5000 list for fastest-growing companies.
- Highly rated attorneys with Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell Gold Client Champion
- Decades of family law experience, specializing in prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
- Proven track record of successful outcomes for families across Maryland.
- Compassionate and client-focused service.
- Comprehensive legal support, handling a wide range of family law matters
As a top-rated family law firm in Maryland, our knowledgeable lawyers handle every part of prenuptial agreements. We deliver on our word and commitment to help you every step of the way.
When Is a Prenuptial Agreement Right for You in Chevy Chase?
No one likes to think about “what ifs” when planning a life together, but sometimes it’s the smartest move. For couples in Chevy Chase, a prenuptial agreement can help you and your partner set clear expectations and protect what matters most.
Here are some key situations where a prenup might make perfect sense.
- Owning a Business or Substantial Assets: A prenup can protect these interests if you own significant assets or a business. It can help ensure they remain under your control in the event of a divorce.
- Children from a Previous Relationship: A prenup can safeguard your children’s inheritance. It can prevent disputes and ensure your assets are distributed as you wish.
- Expecting Future Inheritances or Financial Gains: If you anticipate a large inheritance or future financial gain, a prenup can protect these assets. It clearly defines them as separate property, ensuring they remain with the original owner in the event of a divorce.
- Debt Responsibility: A prenup can clarify debt responsibility if your partner has substantial debt, keeping financial burdens separate.
- Disparity in Income or Wealth: A prenup defines each partner’s rights and obligations. This can be particularly helpful when you and your partner have a significant income or wealth difference.
- Protecting Family Heirlooms or Property: If you have family property or heirlooms, a prenup can specify that they remain in your family.
- Previous Divorce: If you’ve experienced divorce, a prenup can offer peace of mind by defining financial matters upfront.
Does your situation look similar to any of these situations or not? Either way, you can rest assured the knowledgeable Chevy Chase prenuptial agreement lawyers can help.
We’ll Protect Your Financial Status With Customized Prenuptial Agreements
Every couple is unique; no two prenuptial agreements should look the same.
At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, we understand that your situation, priorities, and future goals differ from anyone else’s. That’s why we take a personalized approach, working closely with you to create an agreement that reflects your specific needs.
Our Chevy Chase prenup attorneys start by listening carefully to your concerns and learning about your financial situation. From there, we design tailored solutions to protect what matters most to you.
With our compassionate guidance, you’ll have a clear, customized agreement that gives you peace of mind as you plan your future together. Rather than a one-size-fits-all legal document, we create a prenup that’s unique to you and works best for you.
What We Cover in Your Chevy Chase Prenuptial Agreement
Here are the key elements we typically include when creating prenups in Chevy Chase:
- Individual Assets: Outline which assets each partner will keep individually if the marriage ends. This ensures clarity and prevents disputes over personal belongings or property.
- Division of Property: Guides how to divide any property you acquired during your marriage in case of divorce.
- Debts: It specifies who is responsible for debts acquired before and during the marriage. This protects you from being burdened by your partner’s financial obligations.
- Spousal Support: It outlines alimony terms, such as the amount and duration of payments, helping you know what to expect if the marriage ends.
- Inheritance Rights: We include clauses that protect assets intended for children or family members. This ensures your loved ones receive what you’ve planned for them.
- Business Interests: A prenup can safeguard your business as separate property, preventing it from becoming marital property in a divorce.
- Retirement Benefits: We also address how retirement accounts and benefits will be treated to protect your long-term financial security.
- Tax Matters: We include tax-related provisions to guide how to manage income and deductions. This can simplify tax filing and avoid confusion during the marriage.
- Household Management: It defines how you’ll handle shared expenses, household bills, and joint accounts to create financial harmony in your marriage.
A prenuptial agreement is like a roadmap for how you and your partner will handle important financial matters. At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, we ensure your prenup is tailored to cover the areas that matter most to your unique situation.
Common Prenuptial Agreement Questions Answered
What happens if we get married without a prenup in Chevy Chase?
Maryland follows equitable distribution. If you get married without a prenup, your assets and liabilities will be divided according to state law if you divorce. The court will divide marital property in a way it deems fair but not necessarily equal.
Can we modify our prenuptial agreement after marriage?
Yes, you can modify a prenuptial agreement after marriage through a postnuptial agreement. It must also meet the same legal requirements as a prenup, including full disclosure and voluntary agreement.
What are the limitations of a prenuptial agreement in Chevy Chase?
They include:
- Child custody, child support, or visitation rights.
- Provisions that are illegal or violate public policy.
- Non-financial matters, such as household chores or lifestyle preferences.
- Provisions that encourage divorce.
- Provisions that are unfair, unjust, or entered involuntarily.
- Anything that can leave one spouse financially destitute.
What makes a prenuptial agreement enforceable in Chevy Chase?
A prenup is only enforceable in Chevy Chase if it means the following conditions:
- You both must fully disclose your financial positions, including assets, liabilities, income, and expenses.
- You both should seek independent legal advice before signing the prenup.
- You must sign the prenup voluntarily.
- Fair and reasonable terms at the time of signing.
- You should sign the prenup well in advance of the wedding.
Take Control of Your Financial Future Before You Say “I Do”
Planning for your future is one of the smartest steps you can take as a couple. A prenuptial agreement isn’t just about protecting assets — it’s about building trust, setting expectations, and ensuring peace of mind.
At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, we’re here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. Our experienced Chevy Chase attorneys have the expertise to craft a prenuptial agreement tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re safeguarding a business, planning for inheritance, or just looking for clarity, we’re ready to help.
Schedule a consultation; we’ll handle all the paperwork and legal issues involved so you can focus on the exciting journey ahead.
You can also visit:
Chevy Chase, MD Office
Phone: (301) 889-8085
5425 Wisconsin Ave
Chevy Chase, MD 20815