Many engaged couples choose not to sign a premarital agreement¹ for several reasons. Some people find such agreements unromantic, believe that an agreement means they are anticipating the breakdown of their marriage, or simply do not think an agreement is necessary in their situation. However, a premarital agreement can be very important in many situations. An experienced family law attorney can evaluate your situation and advise you on whether a premarital agreement is right for you. 

The following are some of the primary reasons for having a premarital agreement:

You have a significant amount of wealth going into the marriage. If you have substantially more money than your partner, signing a premarital agreement can protect your wealth should you get divorced. If your income is much higher, an agreement can also limit the amount of alimony your partner would receive after a divorce. Furthermore, premarital agreements can reassure you that your partner is not simply marrying you for your money. 

Your partner has substantial debt. If your partner is entering the marriage with extensive student loans or other debts, chances are high that you will use joint funds to pay the debts during the marriage. A premarital agreement can eliminate your responsibility to keep contributing to the debts after divorce. 

You plan to stay at home to raise your family. If you know that you want to quit your job to stay at home for an extended period of time, an agreement can ensure that you receive proper support² if staying home negatively impacted your earning ability and job opportunities.

You own a business. If you own all or part of a business, your spouse may end up receiving part of your ownership in a divorce. A premarital agreement can state that your spouse will not become a business partner after a divorce. 

You have children from a prior marriage. If you are remarrying and have children, you will want to ensure that those children are entitled to the proper portion of your estate and that your new spouse and any new children do not get everything upon your death.

The Dickson Law Group is a settle and Tacoma-based law firm that will evaluate your situation and tell you whether a premarital agreement is important in your case. 

References: 

¹http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=26.16.120

²http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=26.09.090