Prenuptial Agreement
Categories: Incorporation
You were successful before you met him. You'd already built your chain of Baby's First Chainsaw stores all around the country, and the bankers thought your company was worth 50 million bucks, give or take. You love him. But you know that love isn't always forever. And you know that the divorce rate in America is kissing 60% and climbing. So if you do hit control-alt-delete on the marriage, you don't want to lose your chainsaws. Before you say, "I do," you both sign papers. And you both agree that, no matter what, all of the assets of Baby's First Chainsaw are yours, only yours, forever (and ever).
Anything else you do or make or have in the marriage? That's 50/50. So at least when his eye starts to wander and you move on, you have those chainsaws to rely on.
And yes, every state is different, and has different laws. In California, for example, everything is shared, pretty much. Whatever money you make as a married couple is split 50/50 in a dissolution. In other states, like New York, by default, what's yours is yours (including appreciation fo the asset) when you dissolve things.
So the state in which you're married matters, be it euphoria or depression.
![](https://media1.shmoop.com/images/finance-glossary/wedding-ceremony.jpg)