With the growing number of second and third marriages between financially established individuals, pre-nuptial agreements are becoming more commonplace.  In addition, with the tremendous number of closely-held, family businesses, families naturally want to protect the integrity and provide for the security of the family business.  Pre-nuptial agreements are the tool of choice when principles or heirs of family businesses marry.

Tragically however, wedding plans may explode if a couple chooses to enter the adversarial framework by initially choosing two separate attorneys to handle the matter.  Deep wounds can rip apart the best of intentions if negotiations become too rigid and self-serving.

Mediation can save the wedding by offering the couple a safe, positive cocoon of confidentiality in which to cooperatively test ideas and reach a mutually agreeable solution to understandable financial concerns.  Once a tentative agreement is reached between the couple, in outside consultation with involved family members (in the case of family businesses), the couple takes the draft to advising attorneys for review and potential modification.

By keeping the negotiations direct and cooperative, the couple arrives at an agreement that takes into account everyone's legitimate interests while remaining sensitive to the long-term issues of love, trust and commitment of the newlywedding couple.

Remember, mediation is not a substitute for sound legal advice.  It is a substitute for litigation or adversarial legal techniques. 

Call us with the particulars of your situation to discuss the appropriateness of mediation.