“I know. And I’m sure you’re going to tell me that Washington is a community property state, and without a prenup I’d be entitled to half his assets.”
Her brows lift. “I see you’re aware of that. And are you aware of exactly what his assets are and how much they’re worth?”
Pressing my lips together, I shake my head. “I have some idea, but I don’t know the specifics, no. I haven’t asked. It doesn’t matter, though. I don’t feel that I should be entitled to those things that he earned prior to us getting married.”
“And what about what he earnswhileyou’re married?”
I shake my head again. “Even then. It’s his money. He’s earning it. I don’t have anything to do with his hockey career. And in the same way, there’s a clause that means he’s not entitled to anything I earn during the marriage or any of the assets I bring into the marriage, right?”
She nods at that, glancing back at the monitor. “That’s true …”
Spreading my hands, I say, “Look. I know I don’t have a lot of assets, so this is very one-sided. And I can see how you might think it is more balanced in his favor than mine. According to Jason, even his attorney objected to the settlement number, saying it was too low. But Jason knows me well enough to realize I’d have a hard time accepting even that much. He says that’s the compromise. So, if that’s your only real objection to this document, know that my objection is the same, but for the opposite reason.”
She studies me a moment. “You’d rather take less?”
I dip my chin in a nod. “I don’t think Jason will sign it if we reduce the number, though, and that seems like a silly thing to fight about.”
“I would agree with that. Well, if you’re otherwise satisfied, then feel free to sign it. My professional advice is to request a higher settlement, given that I have reviewed his financials. But if you’re not comfortable doing that and this is the number you and Jason have agreed to compromise on, then you can sign it today. He’s in the waiting room, correct?”
“Yes, he brought me today.”
“Perfect.” She stands, moving to the door. “Natalie, can you please get Mr. Chalmers from the waiting room and bring him to my office? And bring your notary kit. We have a document that you’ll need to notarize.”
A few minutes later, Jason appears in the door, giving me a soft smile and touching the back of my chair as he takes the seat next to mine. “Everything okay?” he asks quietly.
“Miss McKay has said she’s amenable to the terms of this prenuptial agreement, so if you’re prepared as well, you can sign it today. My assistant Natalie is a notary, so she’ll be able to notarize it for you.”
Natalie comes in as Sara finishes speaking, setting two copies of the prenup in front of us, then arranging her tools. “Do you both have valid photo IDs on you? A driver’s license or a passport?”
Nodding, I pull my phone out, sliding my driver’s license out of the pocket on the back of my case and handing it to her while Jason fishes his out of his wallet. She inspects both of them, looking between my driver’s license and me before doing the same to Jason. Then she says, “If you’ll sign here and here,” and points to the signature line above my name on each copy with a pen she then offers to me.
With a quick glance between her, Sara, and Jason, I take the pen, scoot forward in my chair, and scribble my name, dating it underneath. Nervous, I nearly drop the pen on the desk and scrub my hands on my thighs as I scoot back in my chair.
Jason leans over, touching my knee lightly with his fingers. “Are you okay?” His eyes are concerned. “We don’t have to do this, you know. I’m okay with not having one.”
Clearing her throat, Sara draws our attention to her. Holding her hands up, palms out, “I’m not your attorney, but given your assets and career, I can’t imagine your attorney would advise getting married without one.”
“Even so,” Jason says to me. “I don’t need it.”
That settles me, and I nod. “I know. But Ms. Velazquez is right.”
“Please, call me Sara,” she interjects.
“Sara is right. We should have one. I just get nervous about signing contracts, is all. Even the updated Terms and Agreements of phone apps make my palms a little sweaty.”
“That’s not that ridiculous,” Sara says. “Some of the privacy terms are unconscionable on those things. Youshouldfeel worried when a giant corporation is trying to track every aspect of your life.”
“You’re sure?” Jason asks once more. At my nod, he leans forward, signs the documents, and passes them to Natalie, who stamps and signs both of them as well.
“These are for you,” she says, placing one in front of Jason and one in front of me.
“You’ll want to keep those somewhere safe,” Sara advises. “Or scan them as backup. Without some form of the document, the prenup will be unenforceable.”
“Good to know,” murmurs Jason, and I turn my head sharply, giving him a quizzical look.
“You’ll also be able to amend the agreement if you need to with a postnuptial agreement,” Sara says. “Should either of you wish to revise things. You’ll both need to agree on any revisions, of course, but it’s always an option.”
“Thank you for your time,” I say, infusing as much warmth into my tone as I can. “I appreciate your help.”
