Last night, when we sat for a meeting with our Corporate Secretary (our company lawyer, in other words) my husband and I were stunned with his nonchalant question. "Do you have a pre-nup?" We were like “Huh?!?” The secular world may call us naïve but honestly getting one is an alien and almost taboo thing among Christian couples. Bottom line is whatever happens – Divorce is not an option for us. We just have to make our marriage work no matter what! But of course, we couldn’t take it against our lawyer for asking such a question. That was his job.So how did we find ourselves in this topic? Well, my husband and I are currently working on setting up a company with three other business partners. We admit to be uneducated on the legal intricacies of incorporating. We definitely need help. Just understanding the vocabulary alone is overwhelming… shares, authorized capital, par value, equity, tax laws… whew! I suddenly wished I took a Business course rather than studying Shakespeare.
Anyway, when we were already in the complicated issue on shares, our lawyer said that technically since we are married, unless there is a pre-nup, we have conjugal possession on everything that we own. And with regards to our business, he stressed that even before we arrange the corporate set-up with our business partners, my husband and I should initially agree first on our business set-up as a couple. And that pertains most especially to the money factor. He said he’s seen enough marriages slash business partnerships turn into the worst divorce and annulment cases ever.
While “divorce” may not be entirely applicable to us (by God’s grace!!!) of course we are very aware that having your spouse as a business partner has its bliss and risks. For the bliss part, I can’t wait when I finally have my husband by my side every day. On the flipside, if we get into a difference, he’s not your typical officemate or colleague who can opt to resign or take a leave from work in order to breathe and chill. Despite the issue(s), you will have to eat, sleep, and wake up next to that person who has been giving you that headache.
We have a handful of married friends and even relatives who are business partners… some have horror stories while some have only good wisdom to impart. As I listened to their experiences, I came to the conclusion that it all really depends on us – me and my husband. Problems will always be there whether you’re married or not. My husband and I have been given by God a taste of how it is to work together – from the simple home projects to our church ministry. Through these experiences, God allowed both of us to see each other’s best and worst sides. To be honest, my husband is not a perfect partner. I can actually make a long list of his annoying habits that rub against my working style. On the other hand, husband or not, I don’t think there can be anyone out there who can be a utopian partner to me.
Personally, and even objectively, if I have to choose between a level-headed non-relative business partner and my perfectly imperfect husband, I’d rather go with my husband for the simple reason that I trust God with anything in my life. He put us together for more reasons than just to make babies. We were meant to be together through thick or thin… and I believe that includes going to an enterprise together… to shine together… and make an impact as a couple. There’s nothing to worry about. Our covenant with the Lord is stronger than any iron-clad business contract.
Posts
