Many couples in Seattle probably exchanged flowers, candy and gifts on Tuesday. And, more than a few people also offered a ring to their loved one this Valentine's Day. According to an American Express survey, four million Americans got engaged on Valentine's Day.

After becoming engaged, there is a cause for celebration as well as a cause to get down to work. In the midst of crafting wedding to-do lists, many agree that it is also important to talk about the less romantic, but important, topic of finances. Financial disagreements are a very common reason for marital problems, and it is important to review personal priorities before walking down the aisle. For some, this means discussing whether to merge bank accounts after the big day, and for others, it means discussing the possibility of prenuptial agreements.

Prenuptial agreements have become more popular in recent years. Seventy-three percent of divorce attorneys reported an increase in prenuptial agreements being signed from 2005 to 2010, according to a poll by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Additionally, more women are pushing for prenuptial agreements than ever before, according to the poll.

Many Washington state residents share the misconception that prenuptial agreements are only for the very rich, and only when one partner has many more assets than the other. However, this is not the case. The following people are among those who may want to consider a prenuptial agreement.

You may need a prenuptial agreement if:

• You are marrying later in life, after you have built wealth as an individual.

• You are not marrying later in life, but one or both parties has a fairly developed career and assets.

• It not your first wedding, or your partner's first wedding.

• There are children involved from a previous relationship.

• One partner may receive a large inheritance or a stake in a family business.

• There is a wide age gap.

• One partner is bringing significantly more assets into the marriage.

Prenuptial agreements most often cover details of how real estate, estate plans, alimony and bank accounts should be divided in the case of divorce. Prenuptial agreements have to meet a certain legal threshold in order to be upheld in Washington state court, and it is thus important that any prenuptial agreement you draft and sign is done so with the guidance of a competent family law attorney.

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