As most have probably heard by now, actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have filed for divorce. This Hollywood couple epitomized not only Hollywood glamour, but also something virtually extinct in Hollywood: a big family. Pictures of the couple globetrotting with their children have appeared in popular magazines and online since they first got together in 2004.
Since that time, their family has grown to include six children, and their pending divorce likely means that a long, drawn-out custody battle is ahead. Unfortunately for the two celebrities, all of this will be on full display and take place in the public eye.
What They Did Right
While their relationship began in 2004, Pitt and Jolie only decided to marry just two years ago. Prior to the marriage, they signed a prenuptial agreement drafted by their attorneys to make a potential divorce go smoother.
Combined, they have a significant net worth of around $400 million. Without a prenuptial agreement, every penny would need to be fought over. Thanks to their prenup, however, dividing their finances will be much easier.
The former couple also owns twelve properties together. In a divorce, dividing large assets such as homes and vacation properties can often be incredibly challenging. It is normal for both parties to have emotional and financial attachments to such large assets, which can make for a contentious fight.
In this case, every asset was listed in their prenuptial agreement. This will make dividing ownership of their twelve homes a matter of paperwork rather than a point to argue in court. Anyone getting married would be wise to at least consider following the celebrity couple’s example and have a family lawyer draft their own prenuptial agreement.
The Benefits of a Prenuptial Agreement
You don’t have to be Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie to benefit from having a prenuptial agreement in place. While most couples do not like to think about the possibility of a future divorce, failing to do so can lead to intense heartache and struggle should the marriage dissolve. With around 50 percent of marriages ending in divorce, this is something that every couple should seriously consider.
If you have assets going into the marriage or one of you earns significantly more than the other, a prenuptial agreement becomes even more important. This is an agreement that lists items such as who owned what prior to the marriage. Identifying separate property makes it possible to take complete ownership of that property after a divorce. This is precisely what happened with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, as they both owned significant properties and assets going into the marriage.
Other Considerations
A prenuptial agreement can also include provisions that detail issues like spousal support. For example, a clause may be included that indicates what a non-working spouse would receive should the marriage dissolve. Whether as a lump sum or as monthly payments, with this amount agreed to prior to the marriage, it becomes difficult for it to be contested during a divorce later.
The ultimate benefit of having a prenuptial agreement is that it makes the divorce process go much smoother, easier, and faster. Getting divorced is a traumatic event regardless of whether you’re famous or not. The easier you can make it, the faster you can recover and move on with your life.
Consult with a Rancho Cucamonga Divorce Lawyer
If you are about to get married or know someone who is, the Law Office of Laurence J. Brock can help you draft a prenuptial agreement that will protect your interests should a divorce become necessary later. While it’s not pleasant to consider the possibility, protecting yourself against the worst-case scenario is the smart thing to do.
To get started with your free consultation, just give us a call at 909-466-7661 or reach us online by completing the contact form on this page.
The post Pitt-Jolie Had a Prenuptial Agreement: Why You Should Consider the Same appeared first on The Law Office of Laurence J. Brock.
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