LawDepot’s Prenuptial Agreement template covers the following information:
1. Party details
Include the full names and home addresses of each spouse entering into the agreement.
2. Separate and shared assets
Each spouse may specify the assets that they’ll retain ownership of in the event of a breakup. Any such asset is known as separate property.
Any assets that you list as shared property in your prenup will be divided equally in the event of a breakup (unless the spouses agree otherwise).
In most cases, the spouse with ownership rights keeps their assets if the relationship ends. However, laws may give spouses rights to certain assets (e.g., the matrimonial home) regardless of who’s on the property title. Consult a lawyer if you have questions about how the law applies to you.
3. Separate and joint debt
If one spouse accumulated debt before the relationship, they can claim sole responsibility for repaying this debt in the prenup.
If you have joint debt, you can specify how much each spouse is responsible for in the event of a breakup. Typically, joint debts are split evenly between partners. However, you can use a prenup to allocate more or less debt to one partner over the other.
4. Children
If you have them, you must state the names of all your children in your document. This is because children can have rights (such as the right to inheritance) that impact how courts enforce your prenup in the future.
A prenup cannot include terms regarding child custody, child visitation, or child support for existing or future children. If you separate, a court will decide these issues based on the best interests of the child(ren).
5. Spousal maintenance
Addressing spousal maintenance (also called alimony or spousal support) in your Prenuptial Agreement is optional. If you don’t specify anything, courts will determine payments according to law. They’ll also consider the varying circumstances at the time of the divorce.
If needed, take into account the following factors when determining spousal maintenance:
- Which spouse will pay maintenance to the other
- The specific amount to be paid
- The frequency of payments (e.g., weekly or monthly)
- The payment method
- Any conditions on the payments (e.g., a spouse is entitled to maintenance if the marriage lasts for at least five years; payments may end if there is a change in income)
6. Inheritance rights
Once married, your spouse typically becomes entitled to half of your estate. However, you can use a Prenuptial Agreement to limit their inheritance rights.
For instance, you might believe restricting your spouse’s inheritance won’t affect their financial security even if they separate or survive you. Or, you may wish to distribute a certain amount to another party, such as your children, extended family, or a charity.
In any case, a prenup is a useful estate planning tool because courts typically uphold them—especially if the terms are consistent with the deceased’s Last Will and Testament.