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PRE-NUPTIAL CONTRACTS

Agreements between persons about marriage made prior to the time a ceremony is performed and in anticipation of marriage are usually called prenuptial contracts. These contracts are quite new for society though they were originated from marriage contracts existing in some countries for centuries.

The marriage contract stipulated a sufficient amount of different valu­able things for a husband to be as a certain form of payment for his future wife. The marriage contract was usually beneficial for the husband only. No rights of the wife were supported by those contracts. Marriage con­tracts were negotiated and concluded by the men of two parties. Marriage contracts are still available in Muslim countries though some provisions in them differ from those existed centuries ago.

According to pre-nuptial contracts the parties may agree on a multi­tude of issues, including: property rights in property acquired before or during the marriage; inheritance rights, including special provisions for children by a previous marriage or for any children born of the upcoming marriage; alimony issues and monetary awards.

Generally, valid pre-nuptial contracts remain enforceable after di­vorce. However, the contract must usually be in writing and signed by both parties. Verification of a signature by a notary public, although not required, would further validate the document in later court proceedings.

In addition, both parties should be represented by independent coun­sel. Even if the parties choose to draft their own contract, it is a good idea to consult a lawyer on the type of the language that should be used in the document. Otherwise either party could complain about misinterpreting some provisions.

The contract doesn't come into force until the marriage is held valid. Nor will a written promise to marry be enforced unless the woman is pregnant. There is also no legal action for alienation of affections.

Pre-nuptial contracts help individuals to safeguard their property-rights and foci protected in case of any conflicts in the family.

Vocabulary Notes

enforceable alimony- принудительные алименты

prior to the time verification- до заверения

court proceedings – судебные процедуры

multitude - множественный

to require- требовать

anticipation- отказ

alienation of affections- отсутствие заболевания

What is the main idea of the text and the key points of the passages?

4. Write down all the words referring to such issues as:

  a) prenuptial contract, b) agreement on a multitude of issues, c) beneficial marriage contract.

Read out the sentences they are used in and translate them into Russian.

Look back at the text, find out and write down the answers to the following questions.

-How is Agreement between persons about marriage called?

-Was marriage contract beneficial only for the husband?

-Are marriage contracts available in Muslim?

-What rights are included in the prenuptial contracts?

-Do valid pre-nuptial contracts remain enforceable after divorce?

-Should both parties be represented by independent counsel?

-Do pre-nuptial contracts help individuals to safeguard their property-rights?

6. Give Russian equivalents to the following words and expressions:

to draft the contract, alienation of affections, verification of signature, alimony issues, inheritance rights.

Fill in the chart with family words. Translate them into Russian.

Noun	Verb	Adjective	Adverb
	depend
benefit
	force
		sufficient
			usually
	effect
		interpreting

8. Translate the passages of the text in written form beginning from “ The marriage contract ” up to “ centuries ago ”.

Write a short summary of the text of no more than 250 words using the guidelines on page6.

 

TEXT 3. THE CHANGING SHAPE OF THE FAMILY

1. Answer these questions:

- When you hear the word "family", what image comes to your mind?

- Are modern families different from those which existed a hundred years ago?

- Can a married couple with no children be called a family?