Enforceability of Postnuptial Agreements
Postnuptial Agreements are generally enforceable if they follow state law, are entered into voluntarily with full financial disclosure from both spouses, and contain fair, reasonable terms. However, courts may refuse to enforce a postnup that involves fraud, coercion, hidden assets, extreme unfairness, or provisions that conflict with child or public-policy rules.
Additionally, each state has its own laws governing the execution of a Postnuptial Agreement in a separation or divorce. Check your local laws, or consult a local family law attorney, for further information on how they enforce Postnuptial Agreements.
LawDepot’s Postnuptial Agreement questionnaire is available for all states, except Ohio. It is also available for the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.
How to write a Postnuptial Agreement
You can write a Postnuptial Agreement by using LawDepot’s customizable document. First, select your location, then fill out the questionnaire with the following information:
1. Party information
Provide both spouses’ full names and home addresses.
2. List of assets
Provide a list of assets as follows:
- Separate assets: Assets owned by one party that will retain control in the event of separation or divorce. This typically includes assets owned before the marriage, or certain gifts and inheritances received by one spouse alone.
- Shared assets: Property acquired or built up during the marriage is typically considered to be common property.
Common assets amongst both include:
- Real estate property purchased during the marriage
- Retirement savings or retirement plans
- Stocks purchased during the marriage
You can determine how to divide these assets and any future shared property in your Postnuptial Agreement.
3. Division of shared assets
Determine and specify the division of the shared assets. In a divorce, courts in most states will first distinguish marital/shared assets (typically assets acquired during the marriage) from separate assets (typically premarital assets and certain gifts/inheritances). Marital assets are then divided either equally, or equitably (fairly but not necessarily 50/50) depending on state law.
In your postnuptial agreement, you can decide to divide shared assets equally, or in another proportion you both agree to, in accordance with applicable state law.
4. List of debts
Provide a list of debts as follows:
- Separate debts: Debts that only belong to one spouse, such as premarital debts, certain debts taken on after separation, or debts clearly attached to a spouse's separate property.
- Joint debts: Joint debts (also known as shared debts) are those that both parties are legally responsible for in the event of a breakup. Typically, this includes co-signed loans, joint credit cards, mortgages, or other debts taken out by the couple during the marriage.
5. Division of shared debts
Determine and specify the division of the shared debts. Most spouses split shared debts equally.
6. Information for dependent children
Provide information for the dependent children from the current marriage and those from previous relationships.
A dependent child is a biological or adopted child that the parents are legally obligated to support. Generally, a dependent typically refers to a child under 18 years old (depending on specific state law) who is under the care of an adult.
Including dependent children in Postnuptial Agreements is essential because they may have inheritance rights or other rights that could affect how you structure your property or estate-planning provisions.
7. Spousal support terms
Outline the terms for spousal support. Spousal support, also known as alimony or spousal maintenance, is a financial payment made by one spouse to the other in the event of separation.
Spousal support helps the lower-income spouse maintain their standard of living until they can earn a higher income to support themselves.
The amount and length of spousal support payments depend on several factors, such as:
- The marriage’s duration
- The lower-earning spouse’s future earning potential
- Individual contributions during the marriage
- Each party’s health
Addressing spousal support in your Postnuptial Agreement is entirely optional. If you don't decide on spousal support, the applicable state or federal laws will determine your spousal support in the event of a separation or divorce.
8. Terms of the surviving spouse's inheritance
Depending on your circumstances, you may restrict what you and your spouse can inherit from each other’s estate. People may restrict their spouse’s inheritance because they wish to leave their estate to other parties. For example, if you want to ensure the care of your children from a previous relationship, you may restrict your spouse’s inheritance.
Restricting a surviving spouse’s inheritance means they will only inherit what their spouse's Last Will or the Postnuptial Agreement states. It also means that they agree not to claim the other’s estate.
9. Additional clauses
LawDepot’s questionnaire allows you to add additional clauses to a Postnuptial Agreement. The types of terms that you should not address include:
- Anything illegal or immoral, such as clauses detailing any illegal acts or requirements
- Child custody or visitation, and child support terms
- Parenting rights
- Any terms that may not be in the best interests of your children
- Unfair terms that favor one spouse over the other
- Any terms regarding physical appearance
- Clauses about infidelity or chastity
Postnuptial Agreement FAQ