Pre & Post Marital Agreements

Plan for your Future

Prior to marriage or during marriage, many clients seek to make arrangements for property division or spousal support in the event of divorce. These agreements, referred to as premarital and post marital agreements, are very specialized, and are subject to precise and exacting requirements of the California Family Code.

Quite simply, without a pre or post marital agreement, you and your spouse are at the mercy of the California Family Code when it comes to division of your assets and income. And that code does not always fit every marriage. This is why Julia helps couples navigate pre and post marital agreements to create agreements on property division and spousal support that meet the needs of each individual couple.

Julia is well acquainted with the unique challenges of divorce, and which issues can be the most time-consuming during divorce proceedings. She will specially craft an agreement with these issues and your personal values in mind, to produce a document that puts you at ease and plans for the future.

Premarital Agreements

Sometimes known as prenuptial agreements, or “pre-nups,” pre-marital agreements are beneficial for couples planning to get married. Even if neither party has current assets, figuring out how to divide future assets (or current assets that may appreciate in value) before marriage can save time, money and acrimony in the event of divorce. In many cases, spousal support can also be negotiated in a pre-marital agreement. Issues of child custody and child support cannot, however, be included in a premarital agreement.

Post Marital Agreements

Post marital agreements determine each spouse’s property rights during the marriage. This may apply to real estate, business ventures, investments, or any other assets a couple accrues. Many people prefer to alter some of the principals of California community property law to better suit their needs. Post marital agreements are subject to rules that require careful attention in order for these agreements to be valid and enforceable. Julia can apply her years of experience to your agreement and create a document that stands up should your marriage end.

Though pre and post marital agreements aren’t necessarily the most romantic part of a marriage, they don’t have to be painful either. When you and your spouse-to-be are ready to approach this important issue, Julia is here to help.