Prenuptial Agreement Attorney in Maine
Tying the knot in Maine? Don’t forget the prenup! While you’re busy picking out the perfect lobster bake and blueberry pie, it’s wise to also consider a prenuptial agreement. A prenup provides clarity and security, ensuring that both partners enter the marriage with open eyes and a shared understanding of their financial responsibilities. Let’s dive into all things prenups and prenup attorneys in Maine.
What kind of lawyers do prenups?
While family law and estate planning attorneys often handle prenuptial agreements, it’s not a given. If you’re seeking legal help for a prenup, be sure to check the attorney’s website or directly ask if they offer this service – not all family law attorneys do. Alternatively, you might find estate planning attorneys who draft prenups, as these agreements share similarities with wills and trusts in terms of planning for the future.
How to find a prenup attorney in Maine
Whether you’re in Bangor or Portland, there are plenty of prenup attorneys to go around. But we understand it can be daunting to try to find a prenup attorney when you have no idea where to start. Here are some different ways you can locate a prenup attorney in your town:
- Ask friends, family, and coworkers (having a pre-vetted attorney is always best)
- Check Maine’s Bar Association website, where they have directories and referral programs
- Try googling “Maine prenup attorney” or “Prenup attorney near me”
- Check out legal directories like Avvo and filter by State (Maine) and Specialty (family law)
What to look for in a “good” prenup attorney
Okay, so you have a few prenup attorneys you found, maybe on Google or the Maine Bar Association’s website. How do you know you’ve found a good one? Well, for starters, they should be licensed in your state. A good prenup attorney is one who is legit.
The second thing to keep in mind is that you can do a “test run” with each lawyer you find by booking a free consultation (if they offer it). In this free consultation, you can see how you get along with the attorney if you like their practice style, and feel like you can trust them.
In addition, here are some characteristics (in our opinion) of a “good” prenup attorney:
- Takes their time (no rushing)
- Prioritizes your needs while not creating conflict in the relationship
- Has excellent communication skills
- Can break down complex legal topics and explain them simply to you
- Has experience in prenups (i.e., this is not their first time doing one)
At the end of the day, a “good” prenup attorney is someone YOU feel comfortable with and has the appropriate qualifications (is licensed in your state and has experience in prenups).
What does a prenup attorney do?
What exactly does a prenup attorney do for you once you hire them? One common misconception is that when you hire a prenup attorney, you’re also hiring a divorce attorney–it’s not true! Some prenup attorneys don’t even do divorces! When you hire a prenup attorney, it does NOT mean you’re hiring a divorce attorney.
Here are some of the things a prenup attorney will do for you:
- Have a consultation with you to understand your needs and your situation.
- Draft your agreement and/or redline your partner’s attorney’s draft of the agreement to meet your needs.
- Explain legal concepts to you and what different clauses mean.
- Answer your questions.
- Provide you with best practices and examples of different possible outcomes.
- Advise you on what to do in your situation.
- Assist you in finalizing the agreement (explaining how to sign and notarize).
How much does the average prenup cost in Maine?
The cost of a prenup varies greatly based on several factors, such as the complexity of your case, the cost of the lawyer you hire, the level of negotiations between you and your partner, and the complexity of your finances.
The average prenup attorney hourly rate in Maine is $254 per hour. The amount of hours it may take for your attorney to complete your prenup will depend on your needs. Let’s use an example to demonstrate. For a simple prenup, it may take your lawyer about 12 hours to complete:
- 2 hours of consultations
- 4 hours of drafting
- 4 hours of negotiations
- 2 hours of review and finalization
This would bring the total cost (for ONE spouse) to $3,048 for a prenup in Maine. Of course, this is extremely variable and will completely depend on your case and the cost of the attorney you hire.
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What makes a prenup valid in Maine?
To ensure your prenuptial agreement is rock-solid in Maine, remember a few key points. First, it needs to be in writing and signed by both of you. Second, full financial transparency is a must – lay all your cards on the table, including income, assets, and debts. Third, it’s crucial that both partners sign the agreement voluntarily, without any pressure or coercion. Finally, steer clear of any terms that violate the law or public policy, such as those related to child support or custody. (Me. Stat. tit. 19-A § 608)
There is also something known as “unconscionability,” which a court may evaluate, and it means that something about the construction of the prenup or the contents of the prenup is unreasonably unfair. Avoid this. (Me. Stat. tit. 19-A § 608 (3))
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Nicole Sheehey is the Head of Legal Content at HelloPrenup, and an Illinois licensed attorney. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to prenuptial agreements. Nicole has Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School. She has a deep understanding of the legal and financial implications of prenuptial agreements, and enjoys writing and collaborating with other attorneys on the nuances of the law. Nicole is passionate about helping couples locate the information they need when it comes to prenuptial agreements. You can reach Nicole here: Nicole@Helloprenup.com