Prenuptial Agreements Focused on Providing the Highest Standards of Professionalism

Berkeley County Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer

Comprehensive Legal Counsel in Martinsburg & Jefferson County

While we all hope that each marriage lasts forever, the fact is that many married couples end up separating at some point, and eventually one spouse passes before the other. In the interest of smart and proper planning, it may be a good idea for couples to consider a prenuptial (or premarital) agreement. While some couples feel a prenuptial agreement isn’t a desirable step to take before walking down the aisle, the agreement itself can actually relieve the stress of unanswered financial questions before the marriage.

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Should I Get a Prenup?

Our Berkeley County and Jefferson County family lawyers at Sutton & Janelle advise all engaged couples to consider whether a prenuptial agreement is a smart choice for them. Though it may be unromantic to think about, it is important you are pragmatic when making such a serious life decision. Protecting yourself, as well as your partner, will only make things easier in the long run.

Reasons to Get a Prenup:

Prior marriages
One spouse has a far higher earning income than the other
One or both spouses have significant individual net worth
Either spouse owns a business
Children, especially children from a previous marriage
One partner has significant debt
One partner does not work and raises the children or takes care of the home
One partner is coming into an inheritance

In West Virginia, each party MUST be represented by their own attorney in drafting and reviewing such an agreement. We will be glad to discuss the procedure for this important document at a consultation with one of the parties.

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Our Satisfied Clients

“Chris Janelle came through for me at a time when I REALLY needed an ally in my corner.”
Chris Janelle came through for me at a time when I REALLY needed an ally in my corner. I can't recommend him enough. Bottom line, he's an exceedingly good man and a credit to his profession and I can't overstate how much his expert counsel protected my financial future and guided me through my personal "troubled waters."
To have a good experience with your family court attorney, ANY family court attorney, you should endeavor to:
- Be an informed client. Listen and take notes when you meet, their time is precious and they're likely juggling DOZENS of concurrent cases, many likely predating yours. Get your questions/thoughts organized ahead of time as best you can. Your attorney is not at your beck and call whenever a thought pops into your head - they just don't have time.
- Be patient. The levers of family court move slowly despite the fact you'll likely be chomping at the bit to get past this difficult hiccup in life ASAP.
- Be realistic about outcomes. It's essentially all about splitting marital assets in most cases, it's not about whose fault it was. Unfortunately, if one spouse earns/possesses more than their spouse, the former will be handing over assets to the latter, no matter who/what prompted the dissolution of the marriage. Except for your family and friends, nobody who actually has a say in the matter really cares about WHY the marriage is dissolved, something that may really gnaw at your sense of fairness, especially if one party is aggrieved by the other party's actions.
- Be cognizant of the negotiation game, You may want your attorney to be a hard ass and go in there fighting like a banshee on your behalf. They will do that for you if you want, but the goal is to be reasonable enough that there's room for give-and-take negotiation with opposing counsel. Try to come to terms with your spouse BEFORE your first hearing and it will likely be your last- you'll walk out of there FREE and ready to venture into an exciting new phase of your life.
This of course will be easier said than done. Your head will be spinning. You'll experience just about every emotion known to humankind, many of them dark and sad and uncharted. Keep your wits about you and incorporate the suggestions about into your psyche/behavior as best you can and you'll likely emerge with your sanity and dignity intact. Fight the urge to retaliate, to lash out, to exact revenge. That urge will be powerful. BE VERY MINDFUL to not blow your spouse up on social media- you can be fined and certainly won't look good for you if it goes to trial. If you can manage to avoid all that and keep it amicable, despite the fact you may be seething inside, you may just walk out of court with a smile on your face like I did.
Disclaimer: Your situation will be different than mine, potentially more painful and difficult. I wish you nothing but the best as you navigate through this difficult process.

- John B.

Our Values

What Our Work Means To Us

You Are Not Just A Case Number To Us
We will treat you with the care, compassion, and respect that you deserve. We will work to understand your goals on a personal level so that we are better able to achieve them. Your success is our main priority. Let us serve as your zealous and trusted legal advocates.
Boutique Firm Obtaining Large Firm Results
We will prioritize your satisfaction every step of the way. We genuinely care about your success and will devote our time and energy to your case. We will inform you of your rights and help you make informed decisions. With our legal team in your corner, you may obtain the upper hand in court.
Personalized Attention Offered To Each Client
When you enlist our supportive assistance, you will receive the one-on-one attention and individualized support that you deserve. We will not treat you as just another case number. We will not hand your case off to a paralegal. Our attorneys will personally handle each aspect of your case.
70+ Years Of Collective Legal Experience
With our extensive experience and proven track record of success, you can be confident in our ability to successfully resolve your complex legal matter next. We have a complete understanding of the laws pertaining to your case and will fight tirelessly in order to exceed your expectations.

Contact Our Martinsburg Family Lawyers Today

At Sutton & Janelle, we are a team of Martinsburg family lawyers who feel a sincere sense of duty to properly advise our clients in a number of family law matters. We provide honest, comprehensive, and informative legal counsel, care, and representation. Thanks to our years of experience and success, you can rest assured you are in good hands with us on your side.

Contact us at your earliest convenience today by calling (304) 867-0049. to schedule a consultation with a Berkeley County prenuptial agreement attorney from our firm.

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