There are many controversial aspects to divorce law and family law, but one of the most notable in this regard is the prenuptial agreement. There was a time not too long ago that prenuptial agreements were seen as socially taboo. Prenups were essentially a concession, according to this line of thinking, that a divorce was inevitable and that the spouse asking for the prenup was trying to protect his or her financial well-being as opposed to thinking about their relationship and their life together.

But those times have come and gone, and though a lingering stigma may still exist with prenuptial agreements, these contracts have proven to be useful and vital in many marriages (and divorces).

Prenuptial agreements give you some control over the finances involved in your marriage and divorce, while also setting out custom rules and provisions that would dictate asset and property division in case of a divorce. You can also protect family assets such as businesses and your estate in a prenuptial agreement.

The one thing to remember about prenups, though, is that you have to make sure that both you and your spouse have enough time to fully consider the document and sign it. Rushing a signature or trying to coerce or force your spouse to sign it without his or her ability to think it over can negate the contract.

If you can’t sign a prenup before your wedding day, then don’t worry: a postnuptial agreement functions in nearly the exact same way and can be signed during your marriage.