how do I protect myself

[jmshon]

What is the name of your state? WV

I own a home that was given to me by my late grandfather. I rented this house a few years, then me and my soon to be wife moved in. We lived there 2 years unmarried and 4 married.

We recently moved, and that house is up for sale, we never had a prenup. agreement. When I sale this house I need to buy a new one. My question is how do I protect the value of this home in case something happens? I understand that inhertitance must be kept seperate, but I need this money to buy a new house. I can't really put the new house in my name only. Is it possible to draw up a contact between the two of us that states the value of the home given to me by my grandfather is mine if something happens (divorce)? I feel secure in my relationship, but you never know what might happen. Or perhaps there is something in place that already protects people in this position?

Please assist.

[nextwife]

TRY THIS:

Reinvest most of the proceeds into an investment property, and only use a portion of the inheritance as downpayment for the marital residence. FINANCE the marital residence together using both incomes. The marital residence will be marital property, but you may be able to keep the investment property as premarital. After all, the place was F&C when you got it, right? So marital income was not used to make mortgage payments.

[jmshon]

So once the money is reinvested in a property that is in both names, it then becomes "fair game"? At this point would some type of contact help? I was kinda hoping on using most of the money, and investing 20% or so. It seems anyway I go, the orgin of the money is "lost", and becomes the property of both...its a good idea, but not exactly what I had in mind. I appreciate your advice, could I ask for it again?