{"id":372308,"date":"2019-03-13T17:03:40","date_gmt":"2019-03-13T22:03:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/dc-law\/district-of-columbia-prenuptial-agreements.html"},"modified":"2026-02-02T16:40:54","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T21:40:54","slug":"district-of-columbia-prenuptial-agreements","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/dc-law\/district-of-columbia-prenuptial-agreements.html","title":{"rendered":"District of Columbia Prenuptial Agreements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

District of Columbia Prenuptial Agreements<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\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\n

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

District of Columbia prenuptial agreements are legal contracts used by future spouses to define property rights and financial obligations in the event of a divorce or death. Governed by the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act, these documents must be signed voluntarily after full financial disclosure and cannot legally include terms regarding child custody or support.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Prenuptial agreements<\/span> may not be for everybody. However, it\u2019s not a bad idea to at least consider getting one before you get married<\/a>. For example, people with children or significant assets may benefit from a contract outlining what will happen should the marriage not last.<\/p>\n

Like other contracts, prenuptial agreements<\/span><\/a> are subject to state law, with each jurisdiction having its own laws on the topic. This article will examine and explain the prenuptial agreement<\/span> laws in the District of Columbia<\/span>, including the information you can and cannot include in a marital agreement<\/span>.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re getting married and are wondering if a prenup<\/span> is a good idea, contact a local family law attorney<\/span><\/a> in D.C. They can advise you on whether you should get one.<\/p>\n

The Uniform Premarital Agreement<\/span> Act<\/h2>\n

In 1983, the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws adopted the Uniform Premarital Agreement<\/span> Act<\/a> (UPAA). This act outlines the basic requirements for a valid prenuptial agreement<\/span>.<\/p>\n

As of 2025, 28 states plus the District of Columbia<\/span> have adopted the UPAA. Some states have modified the act to better fit local laws and policies. For the most part, the jurisdictions that abide by the UPAA follow the same rules.<\/p>\n

In general, the UPAA maintains the following requirements for a prenup<\/span><\/a> to be enforceable:<\/p>\n