Assets: When a prenuptial agreement is worthwhile – and what it costs
A prenuptial agreement is considered unromantic. But without an agreement, rigid rules apply. This can be expensive for entrepreneurs, property owners and couples with children.
In Germany, couples automatically enter into a joint property regime when they get married, unless they have a prenuptial agreement. Without one, they share assets acquired during the marriage, but not inheritances or gifts, and may also have to divide pension rights and pay spousal maintenance. A prenuptial agreement can modify this regime, for example by excluding certain assets from sharing or specifying maintenance payments.
Such agreements can be drawn up by a notary or a family law specialist, and must be notarized to be valid. The costs of a prenuptial agreement vary, but are determined by law and not negotiable.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
