Welcome to the Beehive State! Between planning a wedding and thinking about getting a prenup, you’re probably a very busy bee right now. Getting a prenup might sound like hard work, but guess what? We’ve simplified the process for you! Whether you decide to use an online platform like HelloPrenup or go the traditional route with a local attorney, we’ll give you the scoop on what you need to know to help make this decision.
Why should I get a prenup?
A prenup sets clear rules and expectations for how your assets and debts will be managed in the event of a divorce. Without it, you’re left with a lot of uncertainty about how things will be handled.
If you don’t have a prenup, Utah’s default laws will decide how your assets and debts are divided, which might not be ideal for you or your spouse. Ultimately, not having a prenup can lead to disagreements and legal fights about who gets what if you split up. It might make things messier than if you had clear terms laid out from the beginning.
Plus, if you don’t have a prenup, you also likely won’t have much of a say in how spousal support (a.k.a. alimony) is handled. State laws will decide, which might not match what you would have agreed to in a prenup. Not having a prenup means you’re relying on Utah’s default laws to make these decisions for you. And it might not be what you think is fair.
How much money should you have to get a prenup?
If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times: prenups aren’t just for the wealthy! There’s no set amount of money you need to have before getting a prenup. It’s more about what you have and what you want to protect.
- Assets and Debts: If you or your fiancé have valuable stuff (like a house, savings, or investments) or significant debts, a prenup helps sort out how these will be divided if things don’t work out.
- Income Levels: Higher income levels might mean a greater need for a prenup to protect your financial interests and set clear expectations for spousal support.
- Stay-at-home parents: Yes, even those without incomes should get a prenup. Why? Because people who forgot their careers to stay home with their kids should be compensated for it and not left in the dust if things don’t work out.
- Business Ownership: If you own a business or have other professional assets, a prenup can help keep those safe.
- Inheritance: Planning to get a big inheritance? A prenup can keep that separate from your joint assets.
If you have significant assets, income, or debt, or just want to make sure you and your future spouse are on the same page before you tie the knot, a prenup might be the right move for you.
How much does it cost to write up a prenup?
The cost of drafting a prenup can vary considerably depending on whether you use an online platform or retain an attorney. The average cost of a prenup, according to lawyers surveyed in our nationwide 2024 Family Law Attorney Survey, is a whopping $8,000 per couple. That’s the cost of some couples’ entire wedding!
In contrast, HelloPrenup provides a prenup for just $599 per couple, with the option to add Utah-licensed attorney services for a flat fee. With HelloPrenup, you can get a prenup from the comfort of your own home at a fraction of the cost of traditional legal services. It doesn’t get much better than that!
How do I start the process of getting a prenup in Utah?
Starting the process of getting a prenup in Utah is pretty straightforward. We’ve outlined the steps you’ll need to take to create a valid and enforceable prenup in Utah:
- Step 1: Have a Conversation with Your Partner. Start by having a conversation about why you want a prenup and what you want it to cover. This could include protecting assets you owned before the marriage, clarifying financial responsibilities for debts incurred during the marriage, or planning for future financial scenarios like an inheritance.
- Step 2: Decide How to Draft the Prenup–Online vs. Traditional Attorney. You’ll need to decide whether you want to use an online platform like ours or go the traditional route with a local family law attorney. You can find attorneys who specialize in prenups through an online search, referrals from friends and family, or through the Utah State Bar. With HelloPrenup, you get the best of both worlds. Our platform guides you through the creation of your prenup, and you have the option to add on attorney services at discounted flat rates. This way, you can draft your prenup online and still get the reassurance of having an attorney review it.
- Step 3: Gather Financial Information. Gather up all your financial info, like bank accounts, real estate, and debts. You’ll need to disclose all of the values of your financial details to each other. If one of you hides info, it could void the prenup.
- Step 4: Review and Revise. Both of you should read through any drafts of your prenup very carefully. Make sure it reflects what you both agreed on. Update any parts that need tweaking before you finalize it.
- Step 5: Sign and Notarize the Agreement. Both parties must sign the prenup voluntarily. This means no one should be pressured into it. While notarization is not required in Utah, it’s a good idea to have the agreement notarized as an added layer of protection.
Can I write my own prenup in Utah?
Drafting a prenup by yourself might seem like a tempting, cost-effective option. But you should think twice before going this route. Prenups involve complex legal jargon and requirements that can be tricky to navigate. If your prenup isn’t drafted correctly, it might not hold up in court. The good news? We’ve already taken care of the heavy lifting for you! By using HelloPrenup, you can feel confident that your prenup is state-compliant and tailored to your needs, all while saving time and money.
The bottom line on how to get a prenup in Utah
There you have it! Getting a prenup in Utah doesn’t have to be complicated. You’ll just need to decide if you want to go the online route or work with a local attorney to make sure you have a valid and enforceable prenup. From there, it’s all about discussing and negotiating the terms, drafting the agreement, and finalizing it. So, if you’re considering a prenup, don’t hesitate to get assistance from HelloPrenup or a local Utah attorney to make sure everything is squared away.
0 Comments