Recent Family Expert Legal Chats
Should we get a prenup or postnup?
Family
Postnuptial Agreement
California
Customer:
Should we get a prenup or postnup? I've been reading and trying to figure out what we need since I am considering using a legal template. We are already married but the information I am getting online is confusing me. Any guidance is appreciated. Is there ever a world in which you get a prenup but already married?
Dolan W.
Hello ***!
My name is Dolan and thank you so much for contacting me!
I just had a few quick questions for you:
Learn about the separate agreement process with wife.
Family
Separation Agreement
Customer:
Learn about the separate agreement process with wife. I have been in a medical care facility for roughly a year and have been financially supported by my immediate family (both medical and personal) She has the home in her name and we do not have children. My interest is to ensure that she gets what’s hers and is protected and that the assets that my family has (and has been contributing) to my care are protected. We do not have any joint debt and my name is only listed on the deed for the house...not the loan. I have contributed minimally monthly as well as my family has paid off her debt (car, credit cards) within the past year. My questions are related to process and timelines.
Dolan W.
Hello *****, my name is Dolan, and I’d be happy to help with this. I carefully review each question and provide responses based on my years of hands-on experience as a lawyer. I understand you are interested in a separation agreement that protects your wife’s and your family’s interests. I am happy to walk you through the process and discuss timelines. Before doing that, I have a few more questions for you to make sure I have the full picture here. 1. Have you discussed the separation agreement with your wife? If so, is it amicable? Have you discussed any specific terms like whether you will remain on the deed for the home or how to handle any contributions made by your family? 2. Are there any other significant assets or financial considerations (i.e. retirement, savings, etc) that may be included in the agreement? 3. Have you considered involving a mediator to help draft the agreement? Or are you hoping to handle this without a mediator (with legal assistance)?
View Full Conversation >Representation for divorce and spouse is requesting alimony.
Family
Divorce Agreement
Customer:
Representation for divorce and spouse is requesting alimony. We do not have any property together or any other assets.
Dolan W.
Hello ****, my name is Dolan, and I’d be happy to help with this. I carefully review each question and provide responses based on my years of hands-on experience as a lawyer. I understand you’re navigating a divorce, and your spouse is requesting alimony despite there being no property or assets to divide. Let’s get some more clarity so I can provide the best advice. First, how long have you and your spouse been married? The length of the marriage often impacts alimony decisions. Second, do you know your spouse’s financial situation? For example, are they unemployed, underemployed, or earning significantly less than you? Finally, have you already filed for divorce, or is this something you’re preparing to initiate?
View Full Conversation >Do prenuptial agreements hold up in court?
Family
Prenuptial Agreement
Customer:
Do prenuptial agreements hold up in court? My wife and I are in a bad situation and things are getting ugly. If we end up in court, how will this work?
Dolan W.
Hi *****, my name is Dolan, and I’d be happy to help with this. I carefully review each question and provide responses based on my years of hands-on experience as a lawyer. In short, yes, prenuptial agreements can hold up in court but only if they meet certain legal requirements. Courts take prenups seriously, but they will examine the agreement to ensure it’s fair, properly executed, and doesn’t violate any laws. To help me tailor this to your situation: - Was the agreement drafted and signed with lawyers involved, or did you and your wife create it on your own? - Do you recall whether both of you fully disclosed your finances (assets, debts, income) before signing it?
View Full Conversation >How can I get an affidavit of single status with an apostille in Austin?
Family
Affidavit
Texas
Customer:
How can I get an affidavit of single status with an apostille in Austin? I need it for a wedding overseas, and they’re asking for this specific document. I’m not sure where to start or who to contact.
Dolan W.
My name is Dolan, and I’d be happy to help with this. I carefully review each question and provide responses based on my years of hands-on experience as a lawyer. To clarify a few details before I give you the steps: 1. Have you already drafted an affidavit of single status, or do you need guidance on creating one? 2. Which country are you getting married in? This can influence the process slightly depending on requirements. 3. Do you need this done urgently, or do you have a bit of time?
View Full Conversation >I have no legal papers for the name I have using since kindergarden.
Family
Power of Attorney
Pennsylvania
Customer:
I have no legal papers for the name I have using since kindergarden. How do I file a petition in Philadelphia? Just to explain - my birth certificate has a completely different name, but everyone knows me by this name. It's been this way since I was 5. I want to make it legal now because I’m applying for jobs, and it’s confusing to explain it.
Dolan W.
Hello ****! My name is Dolan, and I’d be happy to help with this. I carefully review each question and provide responses based on my years of hands-on experience as a lawyer.
So just to clarify - your current name (the one you’ve used since kindergarten) is not legally recognized at all, correct? And you’re looking to make this name your official, legal name?
Can you do a prenuptial agreement after marriage?
Family
Postnuptial Agreement
Customer:
Can you do a prenuptial agreement after marriage? My wife has some inheritance money she will receive and is now concerned about separating things.
Dolan W.
Hi there, my name is Dolan, and I’d be happy to help with this. I carefully review each question and provide responses based on my years of hands-on experience as a lawyer.
While you can’t do a prenuptial agreement after marriage, you can achieve the same outcome with a postnuptial agreement. A postnuptial agreement is a legal contract, similar to a prenup, but it’s created after a couple is already married. It can outline how assets, debts, and property will be divided if the marriage ends in divorce or separation.
To clarify things a bit:
- Does your wife’s inheritance concern you both because you want to keep it separate from marital assets?
- Are there any other financial matters—like shared property, debts, or future plans—that you want to address as part of this agreement?
Should I get a prenuptial agreement?
Family
Prenuptial Agreement
Customer:
Should I get a prenuptial agreement? I have some inheritance money and my boyfriend has his own business. We want to start a family together but are worried about financial stuff.
Dolan W.
Hi *****, my name is Dolan, and I’d be happy to help with this. I carefully review each question and provide responses based on my years of hands-on experience as a lawyer. A prenuptial agreement can be a smart choice in your situation, particularly because you mentioned two key things: an inheritance on your side and a business on your boyfriend’s side. A prenup can help ensure both are protected while still allowing you to build a financial future together. To help guide you better: - How do you feel about protecting your inheritance? Are you looking to keep it completely separate, or are you open to sharing portions of it in specific ways? - Has your boyfriend expressed any concerns about protecting his business?
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