{"id":351909,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:42","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/marriage\/prenuptial-agreements.html"},"modified":"2024-11-25T13:08:00","modified_gmt":"2024-11-25T18:08:00","slug":"prenuptial-agreements","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage\/prenuptial-agreements.html","title":{"rendered":"Prenuptial Agreements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Prenuptial Agreements: Comprehensive Guide and Basics<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Hanan Zaki, J.D., LL.M.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

\n

A prenuptial agreement (or "prenup") is a written contract between two future spouses that is agreed upon before the wedding date. A prenup decides how financial issues, separate property, and marital property should be divided in the event of a divorce or death. Deciding to sign a prenup and what terms to agree to is a very personal decision.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

All states recognize these legal documents (also called antenuptial agreements), though the terms and specifics of the document can vary.
\r\n<\/p>\r\n

Prenuptial agreements are a common legal step taken before marriage. A prenup establishes each spouse’s financial and property rights in the event of a divorce<\/a>. If you are already married, you can consider a postnuptial agreement instead.<\/p>\r\n

While no one thinks about a divorce when they get married, many couples end up in divorce proceedings. So it’s often prudent for a soon-to-be-married couple to at least consider a prenuptial agreement.<\/p>\r\n

Prenups are often used to protect the assets of wealthy spouses but also can protect family businesses<\/a> and serve other vital functions. Learn about your state’s legal requirements for a prenuptial agreement and whether it’s right for you.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

This comprehensive article covers the basics of prenuptial agreements, including:<\/p>\r\n