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Prenup Lawyer Manhattan Beach, CA

For most couples, the joy of wedding planning and thinking about their future together leads them to forget about a key part of securing their lives together. That essential part of the process is having a prenup agreement by a Manhattan Beach, CA prenup lawyer that will make sure that a couple’s financial future is secure. Skarin Law Group will see that the initial discomfort of broaching a prenup are assuaged by relieving potential disputes in the future of a couple’s lives together. At Skarin Law Group, we take family matters seriously because we know that they are deeply personal and involve a lot of emotion. Our attorneys are Certified Family Law Specialists and Certified Public Accountants which brings a rare perspective to each family’s case, especially in relation to financial matters.

Have Peace Of Mind In Your Marriage

The decision to hire a Manhattan Beach prenup lawyer is a proactive one. A prenup agreement assures a couple foundational financial expectations prior to getting married. Couples can take the time to delineate what each partner brings into the partnership and how finances and assets will be taken into consideration if a divorce were to happen. Let’s be clear, this is not to predict failure in a relationship, rather it is recognition that unpredictability is an element in all our lives and we should prepare for it. With no prenup agreement in place, the laws of California state will take precedence about how a couple’s assets will be split between them. This may not be in alignment of your true wishes. Hiring a prenup lawyer makes sure that both partner’s desires are protected and they are entering a marriage guided by clarity and equity.

Misunderstandings can be accrued, yet a prenup lawyer can help a couple avoid serious conflicts. In marriage, discussions around finances are usually the number one source of disagreements. Partners often come into their marriage with differing spending habits or assumptions. By agreeing to a prenup, our attorneys can help couples have fruitful conversations about money so that there is transparency and both partners feel understood. The process is a benchmark for open communication that any relationship seeks to build.

It is often misguided that prenup agreements are only for the very wealthy. It does not matter whether you have student loan debt, stand to inherit familial assets, or are a small business owner, by attaining our prenup attorneys your personal case will be cared for specifically. A prenup can ensure that your investments are protected and how any debt is managed so that both partners feel situations will be cared for with fairness.

A Prenup Will Minimize Emotional And Financial Strain

The event of a divorce can be devastating both emotionally and financially. Our attorneys can help a couple proceed through the complexities by reducing emotional stress and disputes over assets because the prenup agreement will already clearly state how the division of finances have been agreed upon. In this way, the likelihood of an amicable split is far more probable.

A Smart Decision For Your Marriage

Having a prenup agreement is not a sign of mistrust or doubt for couples entering a marriage. On the contrary, it is a responsible part of the marriage process that breeds openness and clarity for both partners by protecting financial interests. A Manhattan Beach prenup lawyer like Skarin Law Group will foresee that a couple has real conversations about their finances so that they enter their marriage with peace of mind.

Separate Vs. Marital Property

Prenups are becoming more and more popular, and your Manhattan Beach, CA prenup lawyer can help you and your partner create a workable plan for the future – even if it’s a worst-case scenario. At Skarin Law Group, attorney Matthew K. Skarin has spent 15 years helping clients with prenups, divorces, and other family-related legal issues. Now, our team is ready to help you. Read on to learn more about prenups, and contact us today to get started.

Separate Vs. Marital Property

Separate property typically includes assets owned by one spouse before the marriage, inheritances received by one spouse during the marriage, and certain gifts given exclusively to one spouse. Marital property, on the other hand, includes most assets and income acquired during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on the title or account. This distinction can sometimes feel unclear, but careful documentation (and a Manhattan Beach prenup lawyer) can clarify the situation.

How Separate Property Is Treated

Separate property generally remains with the spouse who owns it. For instance, if one spouse owned a house before the marriage, that house would usually remain theirs after the divorce. However, separate property can become more complicated if it is mixed with marital assets. This is known as commingling.

For example, if one spouse’s premarital savings account is used to pay for household expenses or renovations on a home owned by both spouses, those funds might lose their classification as separate property. In such cases, we may need to trace the original source of the funds to determine whether they should remain separate.

How Marital Property Is Divided

Marital property is generally subject to division during a divorce. The approach to dividing these assets depends on the laws of the state. In equitable distribution states, marital property is divided in a way that is fair, though not always equal. In community property states, marital property is usually split equally between the spouses.

Key examples of marital property include income earned during the marriage, retirement accounts accumulated while married, and any jointly purchased assets like cars or homes. Even if one spouse was the primary breadwinner, the law often recognizes the contributions of both spouses, including non-financial contributions such as childcare and homemaking.

Protecting Your Separate Property

It’s possible to protect separate property, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. Keeping clear records of what was owned before the marriage and avoiding commingling separate and marital assets are two of the most effective steps. For instance, maintaining individual accounts for inheritances or gifts received during the marriage can help safeguard those assets from becoming marital property.

Another way to protect separate property is through agreements made before or during the marriage. While we won’t address those in detail here, these agreements can establish how assets will be classified or divided in the event of a divorce.

Let Us Help You Address Property Division

Dividing property during a divorce can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Skarin Law Group, we help clients sort through their property issues with a focus on clarity and fairness. If you have questions about your own property division or need guidance on how to proceed, we’re here to help. Contact us to set up a consultation, and get in touch with a Manhattan Beach prenup lawyer you can trust.

prenup lawyer in Manhattan Beach, California

7 Reasons You Should Consult a Prenup Lawyer in Manhattan Beach, CA

A prenuptial agreement, commonly referred to as a prenup, can be an essential tool for protecting your assets, rights, and financial interests before tying the knot. While not the most romantic aspect of a marriage, it’s a practical decision for many couples. Here are seven reasons why you should consult a prenup lawyer in Manhattan Beach, CA, to ensure you make the best choices for your future.

1. Protect Your Assets And Property

A prenuptial agreement can help safeguard the assets you owned before marriage, ensuring they remain yours in the event of a divorce. Whether you have a home, investments, or family heirlooms, a prenup can clearly define ownership and help avoid disputes down the road.

2. Clarify Financial Responsibilities During Marriage

Prenups aren’t just for divorce—they can also outline each spouse’s financial obligations during the marriage. This might include how bills and debts are handled, which can prevent misunderstandings and conflict over finances. Consulting a prenup lawyer like those at Skarin Law Group can help ensure your agreement is comprehensive.

3. Minimize Conflict In Case Of Divorce

While no one enters marriage thinking about divorce, it’s a reality for many couples. A prenup can streamline the divorce process by clearly defining asset division and spousal support. This can save both parties time, money, and emotional stress, making the process smoother should it ever be necessary.

4. Protect Your Family’s Inheritance

If you have children from a previous marriage or are concerned about protecting family inheritance, a prenup can help. It ensures that certain assets remain in the family bloodline and not subject to division in case of a divorce. Working with a prenup lawyer in Manhattan Beach can help you structure your agreement to safeguard these assets.

5. Ensure Debt Protection

One of the most important aspects of a prenup is protecting yourself from taking on your partner’s debts. Without a prenup, you may be held responsible for debts accrued during the marriage. A well-crafted agreement ensures that only the debts you personally incur will be your responsibility, offering peace of mind for both parties.

6. Custom Tailor Your Agreement

Prenuptial agreements are not one-size-fits-all. They can be customized to reflect your unique financial situation, values, and wishes. Whether you want to include specific provisions about pets, business ownership, or financial goals, a prenup lawyer can help create an agreement that suits your specific needs.

7. Avoid Lengthy Court Battles

If you and your spouse divorce without a prenup, the courts will decide how your assets are divided. This can lead to lengthy court battles, with both parties contesting over what they believe they are entitled to. A prenuptial agreement can help you avoid this scenario by setting clear terms from the start.

Why Choose Skarin Law Group For Your Prenuptial Agreement?

Skarin Law Group is a trusted name in Manhattan Beach, known for our experience in prenuptial agreements. Our dedicated team of lawyers works closely with our clients to create agreements that they simply can’t make on their own.

If you’re considering a prenuptial agreement in Manhattan Beach, CA, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with the legal team at Skarin Law Group. With our in-depth knowledge and personalized service, we can help you create a prenuptial agreement that reflects your best interests.

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