A prenuptial (or postnuptial) agreement decides in advance how property, debt and support will be handled if the marriage ends — replacing the state’s default rules with your own. Courts enforce them only when they were signed voluntarily, with full financial disclosure and, in most states, time to consult independent counsel. A poorly drafted agreement is often worth less than none.
What a prenup lawyer does
- Identifies separate property, business interests and expected inheritances
- Drafts terms on property, debt, alimony and death benefits
- Prepares full financial disclosures for both sides
- Reviews an agreement presented to you by your partner
When you need a prenup lawyer
- You own a business, real estate or significant retirement savings
- You have children from a prior relationship
- One partner has substantial debt or expects an inheritance
- Your partner asked you to sign a prenup
Questions to ask before you hire a prenup lawyer
- What makes a prenup unenforceable in this state?
- How far before the wedding should it be signed?
- Can it address spousal support, or is that limited here?
- Do we each need our own lawyer?
Find a prenup lawyer near you
Choose your state to see listed firms and the official bar directory for verifying any lawyer’s license.
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