As fans of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie franchise may have heard, star Johnny Depp and his wife Amber Heard are seeking a divorce. The couple had been married 15 months. Heard, age 30, filed for dissolution on grounds of irreconcilable differences and also requested alimony. Depp, age 52, responded by asking that Heard's request for alimony not be honored. What may surprise Kentucky residents, though, is that the couple reportedly did not have a prenuptial agreement. It is also reported that Depp is worth $400 million.
Prenups can be important for any couple entering into a marriage, but there are certain circumstances that heighten the importance of a fairly drafted prenup. For example, older couples or those who have a child from a previous relationship may want to enter into a prenup. In addition, if one party has a significant amount of assets or expects to earn a significant income in the future, they may also want to consider entering into a prenuptial agreement.
However, prenuptial agreements can be of use for couples of any age and of any wealth. They can prevent lengthy courtroom battles in the event of a divorce with regards to property division and alimony. Moreover, for older couples, prenuptial agreements can help not just in the case of divorce, but also in the event that one spouse dies before the other. Depending on the state you live in, it may not be possible to disinherit your spouse in your will. However, it may be possible to draft a prenup in which one spouse waives their right to inherit should the other spouse pass away first.
As you can see, there are many good reasons for individuals to enter into a prenuptial agreement. However, if you plan to do so, it may be important to have legal representation during the process so you can not only understand what you are entering into, but also know that the final document is fair to both parties.