by Nihara Choudhri

If you and your spouse-to-be decide that a prenuptial agreement makes sense in your case, it is not enough simply to scribble your understanding down on a scrap piece of paper. Rather, you must follow certain established rules when negotiating and memorializing your agreement. What To Do Before I Do explains the seven most important rules for a rock-solid prenuptial agreement. If you ignore these rules, you could end up with a prenuptial agreement that would never stand up in court.

Rule #1: Put your prenuptial agreement in writing and make sure you and your spouse-to-be both sign it.

You might think it is unnecessary to have a formal prenuptial agreement in place, specifying each spouse's rights in the event of debt, divorce, and death. Why can't you and your loved one simply sit down and reach an understanding on your own without going through all the bother and expense of having lawyers put it in writing? The answer is simple. Most courts will not enforce a prenuptial agreement unless it is in writing and signed by both spouses.

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