Last Updated February 13, 2024
Written by
Jasmine Roy Jasmine Roy, BCSC
Jasmine is a professional writer, editor, and SEO specialist with over five years of experience in content creation and digital marketing. In 2018, she completed her Bachelor of Communi...
Reviewed by
Ngaire King Ngaire King, BA, JD
Ngaire King is Legal Counsel for LawDepot. Ngaire has been working in the legal field for over five years and was called to the bar in Alberta in 2020. Before becoming a lawyer, Ngaire ...
|
Fact checked by
Rebecca Koehn Rebecca Koehn, BSc, MFA
Rebecca Koehn has been working in content creation and editing for over ten years and search engine optimization for over five years. Koehn is the Content Marketing Manager for LawDepot...
What is a Prenuptial Agreement (Prenup)?
A Prenuptial Agreement, commonly called a prenup, is a domestic contract that spouses create before getting legally married. You cannot create a prenup after getting married.
This document sets out each partner’s financial responsibilities when they separate, divorce, or one dies. It also clarifies what’s shared or separate property (i.e., matrimonial and non-matrimonial).
A prenup is crucial when a spouse believes they’ve worked hard to earn wealth before meeting their partner, and they want the division of property to be fair if the relationship ends.
Customise LawDepot’s Prenuptial Agreement template to write a document that suits your needs. Spend less time with an attorney and save money by simply bringing your draft to them for review.
A Prenuptial Agreement is also known as a:
- Marriage Agreement
- Premarital Agreement
- Antenuptial Agreement
Why should I get a prenup?
A prenup initiates an honest conversation about the legal status of marriage and the risk of an unpredictable future.
Marriage is a commitment that changes a person’s legal rights and responsibilities. It’s useful to document your wishes to avoid any conflict or confusion if the marriage ends. This is especially important if you have:
- Children from a previous relationship
- Sizeable personal assets or debts
- Investments in a business
Without a Prenuptial Agreement (or a Separation Agreement), courts divide marital property according to law. A prenup helps protect the standard of living each spouse had before entering the relationship.
What does a prenup include?
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.
Are prenups legally binding?
While a Prenuptial Agreement isn’t legally binding, the courts are likely to give it considerable weight when it’s drafted fairly and without fraud or duress.
However, a court may rule that the contract (or a part of it) is void if one party can prove that the agreement is unfair or illegal.
For instance, a Prenuptial Agreement may be void or voidable if:
- There was a failure to disclose all assets
- There is evidence of fraud
- There is evidence of duress (i.e., an action that forces another person to comply with the agreement) or unfairness
- It was signed involuntarily
- It includes content that is illegal or against public policy
- It includes content that is perceived to promote divorce or separation
To avoid arguments over unfairness, duress, or fraud, each party in the Prenuptial Agreement should seek independent legal advice. Getting your contract reviewed by an attorney helps ensure its enforceability in the future.