How to ask your fiancé for a marriage contract

Asking your partner for a marriage contract, meaning a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Unfortunately, some people look at these agreements as expecting your marriage to fail. However, that isn’t actually the case.

In the process of working through the details of your marriage contract, you and your partner will have the chance to have open and honest discussions about the things that matter most to you. In the end, this can actually make your marriage stronger. Here’s how to approach the topic without jeopardizing your union.

Time It Right

First of all, you need to pick the right time to ask. If your partner is in the middle of a hectic, stressful week at work, it’s probably not the best time to broach such a sensitive subject. Instead, wait for a time when you are both relaxed and happy. This will make it easier to keep an open mind throughout the conversation.

Pick a Quiet Location

You want to ensure that you are both able to concentrate on the topic at hand. Try to avoid asking for a marriage contract while you are out running errands or otherwise in public. Somewhere private is much better, especially somewhere in which you both feel comfortable, like at home or in a secluded spot in a park.

Focus on Your Own Feelings

Although it is tempting, try to avoid referencing your partner as your reason for wanting a marriage contract. This can immediately put them on the defensive and make it harder to come to an agreement. Instead, explain how this is designed to protect both of you in the case of a divorce. This approach will help your partner understand where you are coming from so that you can move forward together.

Listen Attentively

Of course, you shouldn’t be the only one talking. Be sure to take the time to listen to what your partner has to say. Do your best to keep your emotions in check and really understand how your partner is feeling. When the two of you are open to listening to each other, it is much easier to come to an agreement on a marriage contract.

Look to the Future

In drawing up your marriage contract, you and your partner will need to anticipate how your lives might change in the future. Do you plan to have children? If you do, will one of you stop working? Are you expecting any large inheritances from elderly family members? You’ll need to take all of these things into consideration in your prenup or postnup agreement. Your attorney can help you evaluate possible future scenarios.

Don’t Panic

Although creating a marriage contract can seem stressful at first, there is no need to worry. You’ll be able to update the document as you please in the future, assuming you both agree to the changes. This way, you can address any issues you may have overlooked. Knowing that you have the option to make changes later can make it easier to reach an agreement today.

Learn More about Marriage Contracts

Here at Ogborne Law, our attorney has helped countless couples create prenup or postnup agreements. We’ll work closely with you and your spouse to help the two of you work through all the details of your agreement to ensure you both protect what you need to.

We invite you to reach out to us to learn more about marriage contracts. We’ll book you in for a free telephone consultation to discuss your case. Once you get started, you’ll be amazed by how easily the conversation flows, bringing you and your partner closer together as you get to know each other’s values better. Call now to schedule your appointment.