Redondo Beach Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer

Prenuptial Agreement Attorney in Redondo Beach, CA

Planning for marriage often involves discussing finances and your future goals. A prenuptial agreement can provide clarity by establishing how financial matters would be handled during the marriage and in the event of a divorce. A Redondo Beach prenuptial agreement lawyer can help you draft an agreement that establishes financial transparency and protects your assets before you enter marriage.

Why Work With Rombro & Manley LLP?

With over 40 years of legal experience, the attorneys at Rombro & Manley LLP have a deep understanding of California’s prenuptial agreement laws and how to craft enforceable agreements. We are an established law firm and are also Board-Certified Specialists in Family Law. When you or your spouse wants to establish a prenuptial agreement, our Redondo Beach family lawyers can provide guidance during the drafting and signing.

What Is a Prenuptial Agreement?

A prenuptial agreement, or prenup, is a legally binding contract made between a couple before they are married. Prenups are a financial agreement, but their specific contents can vary depending on what your goals and concerns are. Many people use a prenup to:

• Create a plan for dividing assets and debts in the case of a divorce
• Categorize certain assets as separate property
• Decide how money is used during the marriage
• Determine spousal support obligations
• Protect family businesses and business assets
• Outline property rights if one spouse passes away

Many people believe prenups are a tool used by individuals looking to protect substantial wealth. While this is a valid reason to have a prenup, many couples find benefits no matter their financial situation. In the United States, 15% of people who have been married or are engaged have signed a prenup, and 35% of unmarried people say they likely will sign one in the future.

The Benefits of Having a Prenup

The reasons a couple chooses to sign a prenup are often deeply personal. While every relationship is different, some key reasons couples choose to have a prenuptial agreement include these benefits:

• Clear financial expectations during the marriage. Financial disagreements can create stress in a marriage. Some couples appreciate having a prenup that outlines how major financial decisions are made, such as what expenses are paid using separate assets versus community property. 
• Promoting financial transparency. Around 38% of American adults believe that keeping financial secrets from their partner is at least as bad as physical infidelity. Creating a prenup promotes financial trust early, as it requires open disclosure of financial information. 
• Reducing future conflict. In Redondo Beach, 9% of men and 13% of women are divorced. While it can be uncomfortable to consider the possibility of divorce, deciding how financial matters would be handled while you are still able to effectively collaborate can help you avoid worse conflicts later on.
• Protecting separate property. A prenup can outline exactly what property remains under the separate ownership of one spouse. This can provide clarity while protecting important assets, such as businesses near the Redondo Beach Pier or real estate in neighborhoods such as Hollywood Riviera or the Lower Avenues.
• Protection from debt. A prenuptial agreement can allow spouses to decide how to handle debt. For example, some prenuptial agreements define a debt as separate property to avoid imposing a financial burden on the other spouse, especially in a divorce.

Reasons You Should Hire a Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer in Redondo Beach, CA

A prenuptial agreement is a legally binding document that can have long-term effects on your financial rights and obligations. You should work with a Redondo Beach prenuptial agreement attorney who can create an agreement that protects your interests.

A lawyer can draft an agreement that is customized to your prenuptial agreement case. Every couple’s situation is different and involves unique financial goals, assets, and future concerns. A lawyer can explain your legal options and help you identify favorable terms to include in your prenup.

A Redondo Beach prenuptial agreement lawyer can also create an agreement that is legally enforceable. There are several specific prenup laws and requirements that must be met. Otherwise, your agreement may not be useful when you need it most. A lawyer can verify that your document meets these requirements and is properly signed and filed with the court.

FAQs About Redondo Beach, CA Prenuptial Agreement Laws

What Cannot Be Put in a Prenup?

There are several things that cannot be put into your prenup, whether due to violating California’s prenup laws or because they are not enforceable in a prenup. This includes decisions about child custody or child support after a divorce, terms that would penalize one spouse if they file for divorce, terms that encourage a spouse to file for divorce, and requirements for personal behavior or lifestyle rather than financial information.

What Makes a Prenup Invalid?

A prenup can be invalid if it was written or signed due to coercion or duress, if there was not full financial disclosure, if it covers topics that are not enforceable through a prenup, such as child support, or if it was not signed by both parties. Often, issues over the validity of a prenup arise because of preventable legal errors. If you hire a prenuptial agreement lawyer, you can minimize the chance of these errors.

Can You Get a Prenup If You Are Already Married?

While you cannot get a prenup if you are already married, you can create a similar agreement called a postnuptial agreement, or postnup. A postnup is created while you are married and provides the same legal protections as a prenup. Obtaining a postnup can allow you to decide on asset ownership, asset division, and spousal support.

Can You Change a Prenup Later On?

Yes, you and your spouse can choose to change or even cancel a prenup. To do this, both spouses must agree to alter the prenup, and the changes must be written and signed. A Redondo Beach prenup attorney can help you make changes to your prenup to reflect changes in your preferences or financial situation. A lawyer can also verify that the changes are made correctly so as to be legally enforceable.

Learn How a Redondo Beach Prenuptial Agreement Attorney Can Help You

A strong prenuptial agreement must take into account your personal interests while remaining compliant with strict legal requirements. At Rombro & Manley LLP, we are ready to help you create an agreement that gives you peace of mind and mutual understanding with your future spouse. Contact our office today to get started with your prenuptial agreement.