Search our site

divorce360.com provides help, advice and community for people
contemplating, going through or recovering from divorce and the issues around it,
including separation, divorce laws, spousal support and emotional issues.


Print
Email

Purpose-Driven Divorce: What to Know about Pre-Nups


Purpose-Driven Divorce: What to Know about Pre-Nups


California Divorce Law: What You Need to Know about Prenups and Post-Nups


By KELLY CHANG RICKERT

1.  I am getting married. I want to explore the possibility of getting a prenup, but I don't want to insult my future spouse. How should I go about this topic?
 
It is tough to rid the stigma of a "pre-nup.” You hear in rap songs. Donald Trump never marries without one. It signifies a certain je-ne-sais-quoi that most people shun. However, in this century, I advise my clients of the following: Prenups are like car and life insurance. No one likes to think about sudden or accidental death. But it happens, just like divorce. Prenups are similar to insurance. Though it may not protect you from all problems - however, if properly drafted, it will certainly limit them. In addition, you should inform your future spouse that prenups which "promote" divorce are unenforceable. You should speak with competent counsel for information on what "promotes" divorce. Finally, marriage is a legal union of two people. The characterization and distribution of assets and debts are indispensable parts of this beautiful legal equation. That's something worth discussing, and finalizing on paper, isn't it?

2. What is the point of having a prenuptial agreement?
This is a fairly complicated question, but I will try to simplify it with my three P's: Protection of property. This includes waiving community property rights, including real property, businesses, intellectual property and retirement plans. Providing of (or not) spousal support. You can opt  to waive spousal support (alimony). Preservation of separate property and debt. Making sure what was yours is always yours. Making sure what he/she owes is always his/her debt.

3. What can go into the prenup? 
A lot of things. Under the Family Code in California, you can include the following: 
1. The rights and obligations of each of the parties in any of the property of either or both of them whenever and wherever acquired or located.
2. The right to buy, sell, use, transfer, exchange, abandon, lease, consume, expend, assign, create a security interest in, mortgage, encumber, dispose of, or otherwise manage and control property.
3. The disposition of property upon separation, marital dissolution, death, or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any other event.
4. The making of a will, trust, or other arrangement to carry out the provisions of the agreement.
5. The ownership rights in and disposition of the death benefit from a life insurance policy.
6. The choice of law governing the construction of the agreement.
7. Any other matter, including their personal rights and obligations, not in violation of public policy or a statute imposing a criminal penalty.

4. What can't go into the prenup?
In California, limitations on child support. Custody. Religion. Promotion of Divorce. Damages for cheating. Technically, you can put these provisions in the prenup. But they are unenforceable, so what is the point?




Page: 1 2 Last


divorce360 New this week::

Divorced on the Fourth - 5 Tips for Newly Singles -- with Kids or not -- to Celebrate Independence Day after the Split

 

Baby Girl First, Divorce May be Next - You're More Likely to Get Divorced -- Slightly -- if Your First Child is a Girl, Study Shows

 

Trying to Get your Spouse's Text Messages? - Text Message Extraction Products Aren't Very Effective for a Novice or Expert

 

divorce360 Community::

popular journals

Any body know?
Does anybody have any idea why someone would want to stay with someone they...read more 

I just want to know !!
I have read some of journals on here over the last couple of days.And here is...read more 

6/22
Today is another day. She tells me she is still confused and I still tell her I...read more 

get/give advice

Totally confused
So this is my first post.  My family thinks I need to talk about things (go to...Read Answers/share yours 

TO LEAVE OR NOT
MY MARRAGE HAS BEEN THROUGH A LOT WITH IN THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF.  My husband...Read Answers/share yours 

Second Guessing Myself.....help.
My wife has admitted to an affair with one of my close friends and told me 2...Read Answers/share yours 

expert Q&As

Faith Therapy : Does a Separation Work?
My Husband and I Are Having Trouble. Is It a Good Idea for Us to Separate?...read more 

Stress Relief: Tips to Help after Separation
Mental Health: Overwhelmed by Changes in Household Routine. What Should I do?...read more 

About Law: Do Divorce Kits Work?
Legal: What You Should Consider When You Think About Divorcing Using a Kit...read more 


expand information center
ADVERTISING PARTNERS


divorce360 most popular ::
1. Divorce-101: About Taxes
Divorce Has Obvious Tax Consequences; Filing Issues Can Crop Up Down the Road

2. $25 Billion in Uncollected Child Support Payments
Be Careful When Using Private Companies to Collect Child Support from Ex

3. Financial Tips for Women
Gather Documents and Know Assets to Keep from Losing Money in Divorce

4. Divorce-101: Asking for a Divorce? What to Say
Give Thought to How, When and Where To Tell Spouse When You Decide to Divorce

5. What are the Signs of Infidelity?
Infidelity: Cell Phones, Text Messages and E-mail Can Help You Spot Spouse's Affair