Why Free Prenuptial Agreement Templates Do Not Work
Free prenup agreement templates can be an option for couples to protect their assets. However, using free templates is not the best option and can be very risky. Many people use them because they are inexpensive and easy to obtain, but there are many reasons why these agreements should be avoided.
A free prenuptial agreement template is not appropriate for most couples. The following reasons explain why:
Templates lack the appropriate language to guide the court in the interpretation of terms
Terms that appear self-explanatory in a contract can be ambiguous to a judge faced with interpreting them in a divorce proceeding. A free template does not provide enough guidance on how such terms should be interpreted.
Free templates are not tailored to your personal needs and circumstances
These kinds of templates are bad news because they do not take into account any changes in circumstances that might happen after signing them. When you use a template, you miss out on the opportunity to customize your agreement for your unique situation. This can lead to problems if you have complex financial arrangements, unusual property ownership or division issues, or if you want your agreement to address specific issues that do not apply to most couples. A template may simply ignore those issues, leading you to believe that they have been addressed when they have not been addressed adequately or at all.
Terms in the free template may not be applicable in your state and may invalidate/void your entire prenuptial agreement
Prenuptial agreements are governed by state law, and every state has its own prenup laws. With online templates, you simply do not know if the free template was properly prepared by an attorney familiar with your state law. Therefore, you may not know whether the terms in the free template are applicable in your state or whether the terms convey the best interests of both parties. If the terms are not applicable in your state, it may invalidate or void your entire agreement. This could lead to serious consequences for all parties involved and be problematic when it comes time to enforce the contract in court.
A generic online template will not give you the legal protection you need
Prenuptial agreements are complex legal documents that require professional assistance. It is strongly recommended that you engage with a lawyer familiar with your state law to draft your prenuptial agreement to protect your rights and assets. We carefully consider your personal needs and circumstances and will be able to tell you things you should consider adding to your prenuptial agreement. A generic online template will not give you the legal protection you need.
Get a free consultation for a well-written prenuptial agreement
Call us today 619-606-1637 for a free consultation and speak with our licensed California attorney if you want a well-written prenuptial agreement that can save you thousands of dollars in court costs and help you avoid many common pitfalls.
All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. We will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at any time and without notice. The information provided here and the content on our website related to legal matters (“Information”) is provided for your private use and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult a licensed attorney if you need legal advice for a specific problem. The information provided here is not a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney licensed to practice in an appropriate jurisdiction.