Saying 'I do' to prenups may be a smart money move - Saving - Belleville News-Democrat

Saying 'I do' to prenups may be a smart money move - Saving - Belleville News-Democrat: "A prenuptial agreement can lessen the potential for a messy divorce by spelling out each party's rights to assets brought into the marriage, as well as those acquired as a couple.

'What you're doing is deciding exactly how you're going to treat your assets, rather than having state laws decide for you,' said Gary Nickelson, president of the Chicago-based American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

Coming to terms with whether you need a prenup is only a first step, however. You and your partner then need to lay bare your finances and voice expectations for what could be an ugly scenario. Finally, you'll need to find an attorney to put it all in writing.

As uncomfortable as it sounds, it's a safeguard worth considering for anyone with significant assets."