Prenuptial agreements can be wise in even the best of potential marriages. However, if you are a woman who already has children, getting a prenuptial agreement is even more critical. The following reasons show why.

1. You can ensure the children are taken care of

When you have children from another relationship or marriage, you could be putting their stake in your property at risk. A prenuptial agreement helps make sure that the children are taken care of if you die before your future spouse does; he or she can agree to give up any claim to the property in question.

2. You can have financial security

Many women with children do not work; if this is true in your case, a prenup can secure your financial future in the case of a split. Even if you work, prenups help do this, particularly if you have a lower-paying job. Conversely, if you out-earn the person you are going to marry and/or that person will be the one to stay at home with the children, having financial plans in place prevents a lot of worry and stress from occurring. Your spouse can focus on the kids instead of fretting over lost income. Without a prenuptial agreement, you will have to sort out issues such as alimony or spousal support after the fact.

3. You have a good idea of how much your future spouse will contribute

Perhaps you have a good relationship with your children’s other parent, and together, the both of you provide for your children’s needs. On the other hand, if you are the only or primary financial support for your children, it is helpful to clarify what the spouse to-be expects of his or her role financially – and what you expect of it. This way, you and your spouse begin your marriage on the same page.

4. You are able to identify if someone is right for you

If the person you are engaged to balks at a prenuptial agreement, that should give you pause. For example, is he or she hiding debt, or is the person more invested in your money than in you and your children? If, after going through the reasons that a prenuptial agreement makes sense, there are still problems, this person may not be right for you, and it’s better that you know sooner rather than later.

Of course, prenuptial agreements are something that not enough people think about. If you are in the process of getting a divorce and lack an agreement, getting in touch with an attorney may be helpful.