Signing on the dotted line means a lot more than just changing your name on the marriage license. Today, many brides and grooms are also signing prenups. Although it may sound like a contradiction in terms - signing an agreement that grants certain rights to both parties in case of a divorce before you're even married - prenuptial agreements are becoming more common.

More common, but often misunderstood. Despite what you may believe, this binding financial agreement is not always a contentious issue.

A prenuptial agreement is just that - a binding contract between two individuals who are deciding, prior to their marriage, what their legal relationship will be in the event of divorce. Binding means that there are no exceptions to the rule - the way the prenup is written is how it will be executed unless one of the parties can demonstrate there was fraud involved or they signed the agreement under duress.

Most often couples that enter into a prenuptial agreement are older, with substantial assets that they have either amassed on their own, or which have been passed down through their families. Or, the husband, wife or both may have children from previous marriages whom they want to protect from financial wrangles should another divorce ensue.

In cases such as these, creating a binding legal document spelling out how assets are to be divided has its advantages.

For a bride who has created an enterprise, product or other business on her own that has become incredibly successful, a prenup is a way to protect that hard work in case of divorce. An interest in a family business or income from a family trust fund is often other financial bonus that a bride or groom might want to protect.

For the average couple, however, there is really no need for a prenuptial agreement, but for those with complicated finances or big family wealth, they are almost de rigeur. If both parties are in agreement on the need for a prenuptial, you should start working out the details at least six months before the wedding and have it signed at least a month before the actual date.

Both you and your fiance should depend on separate lawyers to work out the details and make sure the agreement is in language you can both clearly understand. If you have difficulty understanding any part of the agreement, it needs to be amended. The final agreement must be signed in the presence of a notary public, too.