Florida is a hot destination for retirees. However, not all couples who stay in the sunshine state remain married. Many married couples designate their partner as the inheritors of their estates, but divorce often means changing that designation.
For many people, the end of a marriage leads to various opportunities that were not an option before. Sometimes, these opportunities involve one’s career, whether they gain the ability to take on more hours or move to a different part of the country to pursue a better position. In some instances, these changes also involve the hobbies and activities that people enjoy. For example, those who bring their marriage to end often find that they have additional free time after the divorce process is complete, and many choose to pick up a new activity such as hiking, an outdoor sport or even reconnecting with friends they have not seen in years.
There are several reasons spouses may wish to disinherit each other. One may find that the other was unfaithful, and while choosing to stay for the children, decided the spouse should not become entitled to their possessions after death. Some spouses may wish for their belongings to go to other family members because their spouse already makes a high income. Couples who separate or are in bitter marriages also commonly want to disinherit each other.
Prenuptial agreements have a bad reputation. As you have begun marriage preparations, you may have heard advice from family or friends advising you against entering into a prenup. Some people feel so negatively about prenuptial agreements that they regard the mere mention of one as a sign that the marriage is doomed before it even begins.
Once the divorce process begins and spouses inventory their assets and liabilities, the reality of property division may cause some distress. Rather than let a spouse have more, some people may squander their assets. According to Florida Statute 61.075, this intentional depletion of assets is illegal if it takes place after a spouse files the petition, or within two years before the filing of the petition.
Your recent engagement to your significant other in Florida has you shuffling through a variety of emotions, most of them positive. While you know about prenuptial agreements, you do not have much in the way of assets, which means you do not really need a prenup, right?
