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The “P” Word: How to Address the Important and Volatile Prenuptial Agreement
Arizona Law Firm Outlines Seven Steps To Approaching the Unromantic Prenup

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Feb. 27, 2007) – A marriage proposal often leads to one of the most romantic times in life for a couple as they plan the big day and a future life together. But when it comes to discussing the unromantic side of things, a prenuptial agreement, one Arizona family law firm says it doesn’t have to be a painful discussion if you are smart, understanding and honest.

A prenuptial agreement, in it simplest form, is a written contract between a couple entering into a marriage that outlines an inventory of what each person owns, such as property and other assets, as well as their debts, and instructs how property and finances will be shared once the marriage begins and if it ends. But with fears that addressing the subject will lead to insecurities in the trust and commitment of the partner initiating the conversation, many people struggle with how to approach the discussion while protecting the feelings of their partner, according to Alexander D. Nirenstein, co-founder and managing member of Nirenstein Ruotolo Group (NRG Family Law) based in Scottsdale, Ariz.

So what’s the best way to bring up the “p” word without triggering hurt feelings? Nirenstein has outlined the seven tips below to help make the conversation as painless as possible.

1. First and foremost, bring up the discussion in a quite moment in a calm, neutral and private environment when you and your fiancé can concentrate on what is being discussed without interruption.
2. Include it as part of an overall estate planning discussion and bring it up when you are discussing future finances.
3. Approach it from the standpoint of what your fiancé’s needs might be. If there are children from other relationships, bring it up in conjunction with making a plan for the children.
4. Before seeking legal counsel on the agreement, work together on writing bullet points of the most important things that need to be protected in the marriage.
5. Invite discussion on the topic and be open if your fiancé has an opposing view, while being honest about your feelings on the subject and your needs.
6. Make it clear that the prenuptial agreement does not mean that one loves the other one any less or trusts any less, but that it ensures both parties’ respective assets (and debts) are protected going into the marriage. This is especially true when a marriage involves children from a previous marriage.
7. Be ready to discuss what you are seeking to protect and how various things, such as income, expenses, purchases, real property, etc., are to be handled in the future.

Whether or not a prenuptial agreement is right for every marriage depends entirely on the couple entering into the marriage, according to Nirenstein. However, one thing that all soon-to-be-wed couples can benefit from are the intimate discussions on finances, assets and debts a prenuptial agreement encourages.

As Arizona’s largest law firm practicing family law exclusively, NRG is headquartered in Scottsdale with an office on the Chandler/Tempe border.

About Nirenstein Ruotolo Group P.L.C. (NRG Family Law)
Founded in 2003, the Nirenstein Ruotolo Group P.L.C. (NRG Family Law) has grown to be one of Arizona’s most-respected family-law firms. Recognized nationally as the Southwest’s most prestigious boutique family-law firm, NRG’s attorneys have represented both prominent social figures and celebrities in some of the most complex and highly litigated divorce, property separation and interstate and international child custody cases. With a renowned team of nine family lawyers, litigation analysts, paralegals and support personnel, NRG utilizes a group approach to each case, offering the legal experience and expertise needed for all types of family law disputes. As a public service, NRG also hosts Arizona’s family law blog at www.azfamilylawblog.com. For more information on NRG, visit www.nrglaw.net.

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