Whether you and your partner decide to create a prenuptial agreement before tying the knot is a personal decision. While there are many benefits of doing so, it’s not always the easiest conversation to have (not to mention the fact that it can kill the mood).

However, if the both of you understand the true power of a prenuptial agreement, you may come to realize how important it is to create this legal document before your wedding day.

Remember this: A prenuptial agreement doesn’t mean you’ll get divorced in the future, but it will protect you in the event that it happens.

Here are some of the reasons why a prenuptial agreement may make sense:

• To protect your separate property: If you’re bringing individual assets into the marriage, you’ll want to protect them from property division if you divorce in the future.
• To reduce conflict: You can imagine how many conflicts can come to light during the divorce process. A prenuptial agreement won’t protect against all of them, but it can definitely ease the tension.
• Assign debt: Just the same as individual assets, both individuals can make note of liabilities the other person is bringing into the marriage. A common example of this is someone who is saddled with thousands of dollars in credit card debt. You don’t want to be responsible for half of the debt should you divorce.

How to ask for a prenuptial agreement

Since it’s a touchy subject, asking for a prenuptial agreement requires care. Here are three tips for tackling this conversation:

• Don’t issue demands, but instead have an open conversation about the pros, cons and finer details of creating a prenuptial agreement
• Answer questions as your partner asks them
• Be open and honest about your reason for wanting a prenuptial agreement
• Don’t cram all the details into one conversation

If you’re worried about what will happen to you and your finances if you decide to divorce, a prenuptial agreement is one of the best ways to put your mind at ease.

As long as your soon-to-be spouse agrees to create a prenuptial agreement, you can work together to include terms and conditions that suit the both of you.