Contractual agreements could precede a marriage, or the spouses could sign one afterward. Typically, such contracts are prenuptial and postnuptial agreements that address asset distribution, alimony, and other financial matters in case of a divorce. However, there are other agreements people could sign. A “baby-nup” contract is one of them.
Marriage and contractual parenthood agreements
A baby-nup contract does not involve custody, as the contract does not deal with divorced or separated spouses. Instead, the agreement focuses on duties, chores, and responsibilities related to child care. Essentially, the agreements deal with both parents’ time commitments before the child arrives.
Both parents could live busy lives, and work schedules may require the two to devise an orderly plan for child care. The written agreement spells things out in advance, and the two soon-to-be parents could sit down and divide their duties.
Of course, work schedules are not the only motivators for coming up with a baby-nup. Any reason is likely a good one if it leads to more harmonious parenting. Both parents may write a baby-nup at any time, even after the child’s birth.
Keeping the marriage harmonious
A baby-nup could be much more than a whimsical document. When spouses cannot agree on something, problems could arise in the marriage. Marital agreements, such as pre and postnups, offer a spouse potential protection when things fall apart. A baby-nup could help the child in many ways while also potentially avoiding problems in the marriage.
Any partner who agrees to specific duties and responsibilities related to child care might hurt a marital relationship upon backing out of the plan. The child may suffer if one parent proves inattentive to his or her needs. Failing to live up to the agreement could work against a parent in a child custody fight if the marriage leads to divorce.
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