A premarital agreement, commonly referred to as a prenuptial agreement, is a contract between two parties contemplating marriage. It may resolve how important issues arising from the marriage will be handled in the event of separation, divorce or death.

There are many reasons to consider a premarital agreement. If you have children from a previous relationship, it can ensure certain assets are passed on to them. Or, perhaps you wish to protect individual assets such as a small business, property or wealth accumulated prior to marriage. A premarital agreement may also specify how debt acquired before the marriage will be handled. Finally, to some degree, premarital agreements can create a roadmap for how marital assets and debts will be divided upon separation and can address alimony issues that may arise.

The attorneys at Hatcher Law Group advise clients on all aspects of premarital agreements, whether it’s negotiating and/or drafting the terms of such agreements, reviewing agreements prepared by other attorneys, or representing individuals questioning or defending the validity of a previously signed agreement.

As with all family law matters, each person’s situation is unique. While a premarital agreement may be necessary for one couple, it may not benefit everyone. Seeking the guidance of an experienced family law attorney will ensure your interests and rights are protected if you or your future spouse wish to enter into a premarital agreement. Please contact us to schedule a consultation with an experienced family law attorney.

For more information about premarital agreements, please visit our FAQs page.

A postnuptial agreement is an agreement between spouses that is entered into during the marriage. It can be distinguished from the more common premarital agreement, which is a contract between two parties contemplating marriage.

Spouses who have acquired a diverse estate of real and personal property during their marriage may want to consider entering into a postnuptial agreement. State law prohibits this type of contract from being used to encourage the parties to get a divorce. However, postnuptial agreements can be drafted to create a roadmap for how marital assets and debts will be divided in the event of divorce. Postnuptial agreements may not address spousal support rights, such as alimony, unless the agreement was signed during a period when the spouses were separated but contemplating reconciliation.

If you or your spouse wish to enter into a postnuptial agreement, seeking the guidance of an experienced family law attorney will ensure your interests and rights are protected. Please contact us to schedule a consultation with an experienced family law attorney.