Somerset County Prenuptial Agreement Services

Comprehensive Premarital Agreement Solutions for Morris, Union, Middlesex, and Essex Counties

A premarital agreement, also known as a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, allows a couple to define their rights and obligations on a variety of financial matters that will arise in their marriage or in the event the couple separates or divorces. When drafted legally, these agreements can help a couple save time, energy, and money if they must face separation or divorce. Additionally, many marital issues that couples quarrel over during a divorce can be addressed beforehand in a prenuptial agreement, meaning the couple can avoid the stressful process of needing to appear in court to resolve their differences.

Key Components of a Prenuptial Agreement

A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement may contain but is not limited to the following matters:

• Both spouses’ rights and obligations to joint and separate property
• Which spouse has the right to buy, sell, use, manage, exchange, transfer, lease, and/or dispose of property
• How the division of property will be taken care of in the event of separation, divorce, and/or death
• Whether spousal support will be necessary
• Details regarding the making of a will or trust
• Any other matter, including personal rights and obligations, as in accordance with the law

Prenuptial vs. Postnuptial Agreements: Understanding the Differences

A prenuptial agreement is created before a couple gets married. It details how both parties would like to take care of their finances, including asset division, in the event of divorce, separation, or death.

A postnuptial agreement is entered into after a couple is married. When you sign into a postnuptial agreement you and your spouse’s assets become marital property, which is a topic you will need to address in your agreement.

Reasons to Consider a Prenuptial Agreement

There are many reasons why you would want to obtain a prenuptial agreement, especially if you are entering a marriage with significant assets of your own. Additional reasons why you may want your spouse to sign a prenuptial agreement include:

• Protect yourself from being held liable for any debt your spouse brought into the marriage
• Protect any income or assets you earn while married
• Determine if your spouse will get any of your estate in the event of your death

Exclusions in a Prenuptial Agreement

When it comes to divorce matters regarding child custody, the court prefers to handle these separately. The court will deem what it feels is in the best interest of the child when it comes to determining custody. Premarital agreements that contain child custody preferences are unenforceable.

Advantages of Having a Prenuptial Agreement

A prenuptial agreement offers many benefits, including but not limited to the following:

• Protects pre-marital assets
• Safeguards assets you would like reserved for your children
• Reduces future conflict in the event of a separation, divorce, or death
• Determines debt liability
• Helps you resolve your divorce in a more amicable manner

Requirements for a Valid Prenuptial Agreement in New Jersey

Prenuptial agreements are protected by the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (UPAA). The UPAA mandates that all premarital agreements must be in writing, signed by both spouses, that both parties must have legal counsel or expressly waive the right to independent legal counsel, and that a legally valid statement of assets accompany the agreement.

It would be advisable to consult with an experienced attorney before entering into a premarital agreement as you want to ensure your agreement will be enforceable under the law. If it is not, you could face serious legal consequences during a divorce.

For assistance generating a premarital agreement and ensuring it will be enforceable under the law, contact our office online or via (908) 259-6673 for a consultation.