Connecticut and New York Prenuptial Agreement Lawyers
Westport, Connecticut — Manhattan, New York
The Law Offices of Heidi E. Opinsky has 22 years of experience protecting clients' property rights upon divorce. But we are also skilled at protecting your assets when it is often easiest and when protection is most assured — before your marriage.
Prenuptial agreements can conjure up thoughts of loveless scenarios between a wealthy, miserly spouse and a poorer spouse hoping to cash in on an estate through marriage. Prenuptial agreements also often seem to imply a predetermination that the marriage will fail. Consequently, many couples are reluctant to pursue prenuptial agreements when, in fact, agreements often benefit both spouses.
Prenuptial agreements can be valuable in a broad range of situations, including:
- Second marriages. When a first marriage results in children, a parent may wish the children of that marriage to inherit part of his or her estate upon death. A second marriage, however, will result in property going to the second spouse. A prenuptial agreement can arrange for a fair inheritance for children from a previous marriage.
- Divorce and separation. While it is difficult to discuss divorce before a marriage, it is nonetheless easier to make broad decisions regarding divorce before a marriage than when a marriage is ending, and anger and other emotions can be high.
- Ownership of personal or family property in New York State. New York law allows for separate property ownership within a marriage. Marriage rights, when left "as is," divide property equally regardless of circumstances. If you own a portion of a family business, have received an inheritance or otherwise own assets you wish to retain exclusively regardless of your marital status, a prenuptial agreement can arrange a fair solution.
Contact Us
If you have questions regarding prenuptial or premarital agreements, contact the Law Offices of Heidi E. Opinsky. We can meet with you weekdays, weeknights or weekends to begin the process of resolving your divorce and other family law challenges. Contact an attorney in either our Connecticut or New York offices at 203-349-8978 or 917-338-4138.
