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Prenuptial agreements: To sign or not to sign? |
So a pre-nup agreement is no longer such an unfamiliar thing, especially for China's younger generation. Matt Stuttard brings us the views of some of Beijing's couples and singletons, out and about in the capital.
Forget roses and chocolates, dinner dates and dancing. We want to know what people in Beijing really think about love when it comes to prenuptial agreements.
"It's fine! Why not? As long as it doesn't hurt each other's feeling."
"It can be done if necessary. Because a couple should trust each other at first. Money issues may bring hassles within marriage, as well as legal and social issues."
After talking to some others, it seems most are for prenuptial agreements, as long as it is voluntary and built on trust. But there are some who don't believe in signing such contracts.
"We just registered for our marriage and we didn't sign a premarital agreement. Maybe because we don't have much money yet, and we didn't even go to the Notary Office. My wife doesn't even know the figures on my bank account. We own a small business so we aren't so worried about it."
"I haven't really thought about it yet. How should I put it? I think I would support it since it's law-related."
According to legal experts, prenuptial agreements are not only suitable for personal property before marriage but also for property attained during wedlock.
Prof. Long Yifei, from School of Law, Renmin University said, "Some people would argue that prenuptial agreements may plant the seed of divorce in the future. I am afraid not. In a modern society, any individual's property is protected by law. And so we should also protect his right to his property."
So to sign or not to sign? Well, talking to your partner first is maybe the best advice to give.
(CNTV May 31, 2011)