Reach Agreement Now To Avoid Problems Later
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can prevent bitter, time-consuming and expensive litigation should you ever need to get a divorce or dissolution. For unmarried couples and domestic partners, a cohabitation agreement can serve many of the same purposes.
These agreements are especially useful for couples with substantial assets or previous marriages, or in situations when one spouse is expecting a large inheritance. They are also useful in estate planning, as they allow a person to leave property or assets to their children upon death, including those from previous marriages.
In the Kansas City area and surrounding portions of Kansas and Missouri, call the law firm of Barbara E. Hecht, P.C., or contact us online to learn more about the goals that prenuptial, postnuptial and cohabitation agreements can help you accomplish.
Marital Property Division In Kansas And Missouri
While prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can help protect assets and keep property separate in the event of a divorce or dissolution — not everyone has them in place.
In Kansas, community property law governs situations where spouses cannot reach a property settlement agreement on their own or through the mediation or collaborative law approaches. What this means is that unless you can show that a piece of property was brought into the marriage, or that you inherited it or received it as a personal gift during the marriage — all assets and debts are presumed to be marital property and will be divided equally.
Missouri, by contrast, uses the equitable distribution method. In equitable distribution, property must still be classified as either marital or nonmarital but is not necessarily divided equally. Instead, marital assets and debts are divided on the basis of “what is fair” in each individual case.
Attorney Barbara E. Hecht has more than 50 years of experience resolving complex property and debt division issues, including those that involve military pensions, businesses, stock options, qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs) and ERISA defined benefit plans. Working with accountants, financial planners, appraisers, business valuation specialists and other experts as needed, we have the resources to protect your interests during this process.
Contact Us Now To Discuss A Marital Or Cohabitation Agreement
if you would like to speak to an experienced lawyer about either of these issues, call today or contact us online.
Offices in Overland Park and , Kansas, and in Kansas City, Missouri
Major Credit Cards Accepted