All About Marriage Contracts
A marriage contract is a legally-binding document between two people.
The people involved can be either about to be married or may already be married to each other. If you sign a
document of this type before the wedding, it will take effect the day of the wedding. In the case of people who are
already married, it will take effect immediately.
The contract contains a set of promises the couple makes to each other. Independent Legal Advice Both parties to
the contract should get separate legal advice before signing it. 
This is good advice in the event that a person is going to enter into any type of contract, not just one with
his or her spouse. The lawyers involved will make sure that each party to the contract understands the terms and
conditions contained in the document. If necessary, they will arrange for the signing of the contract to be
witnessed.
Financial Issues
Generally speaking, a marriage contract deals with financial issues, namely how assets will be divided in the
event of a divorce. It may also include provisions for how property will be managed during the marriage. With
people tending to get married after they have finished school and started a career, the chances of them having
accumulated some assets beforehand is greater. The couple may want the agreement to specify that each person will
retain ownership of any property he or she brought into the marriage.
Another provision might specify that in the event of the marriage breaking down, one spouse has the right to
stay in the family home (at least for a certain period of time) and will receive a certain percentage of the family
assets. The contract may also specify that the lower-earning spouse will be entitled to financial support of a
specific amount each month. Fairness It is important that whatever agreement spouses enter into be fair.
The reason why people sign marriage contracts in the first place is so that they can avoid a long period of
litigation if their marriage breaks down. If the agreement is not fair to both parties (or even if one party feels
that it is unfair), he or she can take the matter to court and ask a judge to set aside the marriage contract.
Who Needs a Marriage Contract?
People entering second marriages or those with children are more likely to take the step of having a marriage
contract. They may have assets that they would like to see pass to their children intact. If no such contract is
signed, the other spouse may well be able to make a claim for a financial interest in a real estate holdings,
investments, etc. At a later date, the spouses can opt to make changes to their original agreement. This would need
to be in writing and once again, each person would do well to seek out independent legal advice before signing
anything.
 |
|
 |
|
For most people there is nothing that will forfill us and change us like a
successful marriage. |
|
 |
|
 |
What is a Ketubah?
A ketubah is a different form of marriage contract. Under the provisions of the Jewish faith, it is forbidden
for couples to cohabit without one. The ketubah is a document that sets out the basic moral, financial, and
conjugal responsibilities that a husband has toward his wife. It is designed to protect the rights of the woman
during her marriage and in the event that she is widowed or divorced at some point in time. The document, which is
written in the ancient language of Aramic, is signed by the groom in front of two witnesses and given to the bride
as part of the wedding ceremony.
More Suggestions About Contracts
Ask your wedding photographers to put the details of your contract in writing when hiring them. There are many
different options to choose from, such as the number of prints, whether or not proofs are included, how much of a
deposit is needed, etc. Make sure you thoroughly understand what the photographer will provide so there are no
misunderstandings after the wedding.
When looking for music for your wedding, be sure to research the DJ or band that you are considering using. Be
sure to ask for references, and contact those before hiring anyone. Once you make a decision, you want to make sure
the date is well known, and that a contract is signed to confirm the agreement. These steps are necessary to ensure
that music will not be the cause of a ruined wedding day.
Having confidence that your wedding day will go off without a hitch can take a lot of stress off a
nervous bride-to-be. Thankfully, you now have great wedding planning tips and are ready to make your wedding the
day of your dreams for both you and your family and friends.
|