We prefer to hope that all relationships will last, but the sad reality is that the divorce rate is extremely high and the risk to your assets, should you divorce, is equally high. There are many types of marital agreements; the most common are set forth here. The Central Pennsylvania marital agreements attorneys of Howett, Kissinger & Holst can assist you in creating an agreement to protect you should your relationship end.

Pre-nuptial Agreements

Couples contemplating marriage can have agreements that spell out what will happen should they divorce or die. These agreements can vary in complexity, from simply stating “what’s mine is mine and what’s yours is yours” to going into great depth about division of assets, child custody, spousal support, and more. When handled appropriately, pre-nuptial, mid-nuptial, and post-nuptial agreements can all be enforceable here in Pennsylvania.

Mid-nuptial Agreements

Mid-nuptial agreements can accomplish many of the same purposes as a pre-nuptial agreement but are entered during a marriage rather than before the marriage.

Post-nuptial Agreements

While any agreement entered after the date of marriage is technically a “post-nuptial” agreement, the term is usually used to describe a final settlement agreement and is frequently called a marital settlement agreement (MSA) or a property settlement agreement (PSA).

Cohabitation Agreements

Those who are legally unable to marry, or do not desire to do so, should consider a cohabitation agreement to protect their rights. Non-married couples do not have the protection of the divorce laws. Therefore, it is extremely wise for such couples to spell out their financial responsibilities both during and after the relationship to make certain that fair treatment is possible during the emotional time of a split.

Protect Yourself

Regardless of whether you are about to marry or embark on a committed relationship, are already in a marriage or relationship, or are in the process of ending your marriage or relationship, the appropriate agreement can be a great safety net. The attorneys at Howett, Kissinger & Holst write marital agreements that protect our clients’ property and rights. Please contact us for assistance.