Prenuptial agreements were once derided as unromantic and even coldly calculated, but these legal documents have become more of the norm for engaged couples, especially those who are entering the marriage with considerable personal assets. At Gates Law Group, A Professional Corporation, we provide highly personal and responsive representation for clients contemplating marriage. We help you protect your wealth with valid premarital agreements that can stand up to court scrutiny. When you need reliable legal protection of your wealth in anticipation of marriage, you can trust our firm to negotiate and draft an agreement that achieves your goals.
California community property law declares that partners in a marriage have an equal right to share in the marital estate in the event of divorce. So, individuals who have some means may hesitate to simply toss their assets into the marital estate, if by doing so they’d risk 50 percent of their wealth. This concern is greater for individuals who:
However, prenuptial agreements have become so standard these days that more younger couples are choosing to draft these contracts.
There are many standard issues a prenuptial agreement covers, including:
Parties cannot include terms that would limit the amount of child support their children receive, because family law dictates this is a right of the child, not the spouses.
In response to the demand for prenuptial agreements, California adopted the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act of 1986. The UPAA mandates that prenups conform to basic contract requirements, such as these:
The law is concerned with eliminating any taint of undue influence or coercion, so the agreement is truly voluntary, as any contract should be. For this reason, it’s best to begin discussion well in advance of the wedding date. When you are ready to begin, we are here to help with your prenuptial agreement.
Gates Law Group, A Professional Corporation provides reliable advice for engaged clients who want to protect their rights with a prenuptial agreement. Please call 559-432-9944 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Our firm’s main office is in Fresno, but we also assist clients from locations in Paso Robles and Visalia.