In New Jersey and elsewhere, when a married couple decides to go their separate ways, they usually try to work out a settlement agreement. In many cases, such as with actress Julianne Hough and her ex, a couple might have a prenuptial agreement that was signed before they got married. These types of agreements are valuable tools that, among other things, couples can use to identify separately owned assets or liabilities that only one spouse will be responsible for during the marriage.
In Hough’s case, she and her former hockey player husband Brooks Laich signed a prenup that stipulated how much spousal support each of them would get if they were ever to divorce. When there is an existing prenuptial agreement between a couple headed for divorce, the terms of the agreement are typically ironclad. In this case, however, Hough has requested that the judge change the terms and refuse spousal support to her ex.
Hough has reportedly also told the court that she is willing to go without spousal support as well. It is not uncommon for legal obstacles like this to arise during divorce proceedings. A couple who does not encounter any challenges regarding spousal support may instead find themselves struggling to resolve other financial issues, such as child support, property division or issues pertaining to retirement benefits.
It remains to be seen what the judge overseeing Hough’s divorce case will rule regarding her recent request for her ex to be denied spousal support. Any New Jersey spouse concerned about similar issues may want to schedule a consultation with an experienced family law attorney before heading to court. A lawyer can make recommendations regarding divorce-related financial issues and will work to help protect a client’s interests throughout proceedings.