Valentine's Day is no doubt one of the most romantic days of the year whether or not you think it is a bit of a Hallmark holiday. In fact, it is one of the biggest days for marriage proposals. An American Express survey estimates that around four million people said "Yes" this past Tuesday, Feb. 14.

With the excitement of the pending nuptials on their minds, the newly engaged are no doubt creating their wedding checklists. Divorce attorneys suggest that a prenuptial agreement should be one of those to-dos that are added to the list. Some couples fear prenups because of the negative assumptions made about them, but they can be very beneficial to couples planning to spend their lives together.

All marriages end whether it is through divorce or when a spouse dies; it is inevitable. Prenuptial agreements not only set a plan in the event of a divorce but can act as a strong basis for intent in estate planning matters.

A prenuptial agreement can even have the effect of helping a couple. Finances, specifically financial infidelity are often a major issue in divorce cases. A prenuptial agreement requires full financial disclosure from both of the soon-to-be spouses.

The sky is the limit, almost, when it comes to the terms of a prenup. A couple can set guidelines for real-estate, bank accounts, family businesses, alimony and even future expectations such as a pending inheritance. Child support and child custody issues are two things that cannot be set in a prenuptial agreement.

Although many people assume that prenups are only for the extremely wealthy, this is simply another assumption. Many couples are waiting later in life to walk down the aisle, and many more are making the commitment for the second or third time. Couples who are planning to wed should sit with an attorney who can help them determine if a prenuptial agreement is right for them.

Source: Reuters, "When Valentines and prenups go together," Kathleen Kingsbury, Feb. 15, 2012