Are premarital agreements encouraged?

Due to the unpredictable nature of marriage and the high divorce rates in America, premarital agreements are often a good idea, depending on the circumstances of your situation. Indeed, most prenuptial agreements are written to avoid the consequences of state divorce laws, and have property distributed the way you want it, instead of how it is mandated by law. Premarital agreements are opportune for someone who wants to keep certain property (such as a family business) in the event of divorce, and premarital agreements are particularly advantageous for those with children from a prior marriage who want to ensure that - in the event of divorce or death - his or her property gets properly passed on to his or her children.