Co-Habitation & Prenup Plans

Should you consider a prenup or co-habitation plan?

Ask yourself:

• Is this your second marriage? Are you nearing your retirement years?
• Do you have considerable assets, such as a home, real estate investments, stock (including stock options) or retirement funds, that make you, or could make you, much wealthier than your partner?
• Do you own a business or a professional practice, or are you part of one?
• Do you have children?
• Do you have loved ones you need to care for, such as elderly parents?
• Are you expecting an inheritance or gifted money in the future?
• Are you pursuing, or do you have, a degree or licence in a potentially lucrative profession?
• If this relationship were to end, would support issues need to be addressed?

If you answered yes to any of these, a plan is worth talking about.

A prenup is like fire insurance

We take out fire insurance on our homes so we have a place to start rebuilding if the worst happens, but in no way are we counting on or hoping to use it. A prenup or co-habitation plan works the same way. Having a mutual plan on paper while your relationship is healthy and strong doesn’t mean you expect it to end. If you ever face that scenario, it lessens the chaos and gives you a clear place to start when emotions are running high.

Discussing the what-ifs while you’re both in a cooperative, positive state of mind simplifies things if something changes later.

Creating clarity to avoid stress

Talking these questions through before you move in together or marry creates clarity, and avoids the stress and destruction that uncertainty can cause later. As a mediator, I work with and for both of you, so you can reach decisions together about what matters most to each of you.

Book a free, confidential consultation to talk about your situation.

Ready to take the next step? Book your free consultation, call 403.460.2800, or send us a message.