Couples in Alabama with high-value assets will often choose to sign a prenuptial agreement before they are married. A prenuptial agreement can help couples avoid lengthy court battles and allows individuals to keep their valuable assets. One singer is evidence of how valuable prenuptial agreements can be.

Former American Idol contestant Ruben Studdard recently finalized his divorce from his wife of three years. Although the couple signed a prenuptial agreement before they were married in 2008, they encountered some difficulties during their divorce proceedings.

Studdard’s former wife asked a judge to nullify the couple’s prenuptial agreement. She claimed that Studdard pressured her to sign the papers just days before their wedding. Despite her efforts, the judge sided with Studdard and upheld the prenuptial agreement.

Studdard will reportedly not pay any spousal support and has walked away with all of the money he earned during the couples three-year marriage. Studdard’s ex-wife was allowed to keep her wedding dress and a 2006 BMW. She was also given $10,000 as part of a property settlement. Studdard is also required to pay her legal fees.

A divorce can be complicated. However, a high asset divorce can present even more challenges. Whether or not a couple signed a prenuptial agreement, residents in Alabama who are planning to divorce would be wise to consult with an experienced divorce attorney. An attorney can work on behalf of an individual to protect their interests and to help couples come to a resolution that is reasonable and fair for everyone involved.

Source: The Urban Daily, “Ruben Studdard’s Ex-Wife Gets Nothing In Divorce Settlement,” Jonathan Hailey, April 9, 2012