Because college students in Georgia and elsewhere in the country tend to have busy summer schedules that involve things like internships, summer jobs and trips, January is a popular month for couples jointly pursuing higher education to exchange “I dos.” Younger couples may have visions of a lifetime of wedded bliss together. However, prenuptial agreements may provide some added peace of mind for student couples.
Some college couples in the Peach State may not see the point of going to a family law attorney for an prenup. After all, most college couples don’t have significant assets to protect, and many of them haven’t even started their careers yet. What they do tend to have is substantial education-related debt. If financing is involved, a prenup can predetermine the responsibility each party would have for any lingering debt obligations should a split occur.
College couples opting for a prenup may find themselves benefiting from early discussions about credit card debt, plans for joint savings and investments, and even how purchasing a home would likely be handled. Additionally, preparations for a prenup could get college students to have a serious discussion with their parents about what assets are in their name and how much debt they owe. What is unique about student couple prenups is the way estate matters are often handled. It’s not unusual for younger couples to prefer to waive estate rights in favor of parents or other trustworthy relatives.
Having a prenup does not replace the need for couples preparing to walk down the aisle to be equally proactive with a last will and testament. A prenuptial agreement drafted by a family law attorney may serve as guidance for an estate plan that a newly married college couple chooses to discuss and implement after they start their life together. It’s also possible for a lawyer to change, update or completely cancel a prenup at some point as long as both spouses are in agreement about doing so. Modifications might also be made if children become part of the equation.
