Prenuptial Agreement

A Prenuptial Agreement (prenup) is a written contract entered into by a couple before marriage that establishes terms for property division and financial responsibilities if the marriage ends in divorce or death. The agreement can specify how assets and debts will be divided, whether spousal support will be paid, and other financial matters. Prenups cannot determine child custody or child support, as courts retain authority over child-related matters. Both parties should have independent legal counsel when creating a prenup. The agreement must be entered into voluntarily, with full financial disclosure, and must not be unconscionable. Prenuptial agreements are increasingly common and serve to protect pre-marital assets, businesses, inheritance rights, and clarify financial expectations.