Applying for Jobs with a Criminal Record: Know Your Rights
5 Reasons Why You Need A Prenuptial Agreement
Michelle Garrett
Are you engaged to be married? While you may be busy with wedding planning, it's also important that you take care of some financial planning. When you get married, you'll be combining incomes, assets, and even debt with your new spouse. While you'll likely have a long and happy marriage, it's always good to prepare for the possibility that you may not. In the event of a divorce, unwinding your combined finances could be tricky. A prenuptial agreement can be helpful for most couples. However, there are some instances where a prenuptial agreement is very important. Here are a few of those instances:
You make significantly more money than your spouse. Often in divorce, spousal support can be a big issue. If you make significantly more than your spouse, he or she may seek ongoing financial support in the event of a divorce. You can avoid a prolonged battle by specifying all support amounts in the prenuptial agreement. That way, both you and your spouse know the spousal support amounts and don't have to battle over the issue in court.
Your fiance has a large amount of debt. A prenup isn't just about protecting assets. It can also be about protecting yourself from your fiance's money problems. You can use a prenup to state that your fiance's debt stays with him or her in the event of a divorce and that you're not responsible for it. That way, you can leave the marriage the same way you entered it - debt-free.
Either of you already have children. This is a major reason for getting a prenup. You may have assets that you want to give to your children someday. Further, you likely want to maintain your ability to financially provide for your kids. A costly and time-consuming divorce could consume those assets and drain your financial stability. In this case, a prenup helps you protect your assets and your income so you can care for your children in the manner that you want.
Either of you own a business. A costly divorce can have a serious impact on a business. Assume that as a result of the divorce, you must give your spouse a large lump-sum or even make him or her a part owner. You may then have to liquidate part of your business or take out a loan to compensate your spouse for their share. A prenup can shield the business from your divorce proceedings.
You have a pet. Believe it or not, pets can become serious bargaining chips during divorces. The spouses may fight over custody of the pet or, in most cases, one spouse may use the pet as leverage to obtain other assets. Use a prenup to clearly state who the pet's owner is and how custody will be divided in the event of a divorce.
A family law attorney, such as Raskosky Law Office, can help you and your spouse decide if a prenup is right for you. He or she can also help you discuss the prenup in a constructive and healthy way, so it doesn't ruin the joy surrounding your upcoming wedding.
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I'll be up front: I have a criminal record. As someone who's spent lots--and lots--of time looking for a job in my life, I've gotten used to being up front with this fact. It's difficult to get hired with this on my record, and frankly, it never gets less scary to have to tell an interviewer about it. But that doesn't mean I'm unemployable. I'm a hard worker who can bring a lot to any company. And I also know what an employer needs to do for me. I know my rights. There's no federal law protecting me from discrimination due to my record, but there are plenty of state laws that make it a little easier for me. If you're looking for a job and you have a criminal record, read through this information. Protect yourself during a job search. Know your rights.