By: Jessica S. Bullock, Board Certified Family Law Specialist
It all started with a bracelet. On July 8, 2023, tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, Travis Kelce, was at Arrowhead Stadium enjoying Taylor Swift, singer, songwriter, and recent billionaire Era’s Tour concert. On Kelce’s podcast, New Heights, he shared that he wanted to give her a friendship bracelet with his number. That’s when the rumors started swirling. Are they, aren’t they dating? Social media, the National Football League (NFL), and national news outlets were speculating on their relationship status.
Well, on September 24, 2023, Swift was back at Arrowhead Stadium, but this time in the Kelce suite along with his mother, cheering Kelce on as he scored a touchdown. Fast forward to sightings in New York, an appearance on SNL, and more games, and it appears Swift and Kelce are in a full-blown relationship.
Swift’s lyric from Wildest Dreams, “He’s so tall and handsome as hell, he’s so bad, but he does it so well, I can see the end as it begins, my one condition is,” makes me wonder what that condition is. So, let’s say Kelce is “the” one for Swift. And let’s say they live in North Carolina when it’s time to walk down the aisle. What’s next?
It’s time for a premarital agreement! In North Carolina, a premarital agreement is an agreement between a future husband and wife that becomes effective when the parties marry one another. A premarital agreement may address such issues as how property will be divided if parties separate and divorce in the future, spousal support or a waiver of support, the right to buy and sell property during the marriage, among other terms. And, yes, it could address who gets the coveted friendship bracelet in the event of a divorce!
If you are considering a prenuptial agreement, it is essential to seek the services of an experienced family law attorney to assist you in the process. If not, it is easy to fall into one of the many potential pitfalls, increasing the potential of litigation should you need to enforce your premarital agreement. Here are some “dos” of North Carolina prenuptial agreements:
“Do’s”
- Do each retain separate counsel. Each party should retain his or her own attorney and have any and all questions answered regarding the meaning of the Agreement’s terms.
- Do sign your Agreement well in advance of your wedding. A prenuptial should not be signed on the “eve” of your wedding! Plan ahead and get the agreement handled early in the wedding planning process. A prenuptial agreement signed close to your wedding date may provide an argument to a party trying to contest its validity.
- Do exchange financials! Each party should provide the other a full and fair disclosure of his or her assets and debts prior to the execution of the Agreement.
- Do be detailed and precise in its terms.
Premarital agreements can be a very effective way for parties to simplify the separation and divorce process should your marriage end; however, it requires careful drafting and consideration. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and let us walk you through the process.