Marriage contracts, sometimes referred to as pre-nuptial agreements or pre-nups, are often put into place prior to or at the start of a marriage, to customize the rights and responsibilities that would arise in the event of a separation. Such agreements may suit the clients better than the blanket letter of the law. These agreements can set out a variety of factors including the expectations that each spouse has for the other during the marriage and how property will be divided should the marriage end.

Cohabitation agreements are similar, and would be used for couples choosing to live together. Should a couple enter into a cohabitation agreement and then later decide to marry, this document can become their marriage contract, however they can also choose to enter into a new agreement that will override the existing one.

With some exceptions, a marriage contract or cohabitation agreement can put rules in place to govern a variety of scenarios, including the division of property should the marriage or relationship end. It is advised that such documents are drafted and reviewed by a trusted legal professional prior to signing.

We can work with you and draft marriage contract or cohabitation agreement that deals with things like your personally held property, jointly held property, decision making responsibility and parenting time, child support and spousal support, to name only a few.