New Haven Prenuptial Agreements Lawyer

Most couples preparing for a wedding can benefit from a prenuptial agreement but hesitate to raise the issue. Marriage may have a considerable effect on your property, family, and financial rights, and it is important that engaged couples understand the legal implications of their union. If you are planning to get married, a premarital agreements attorney can help you draft a premarital contract that suits your unique lifestyle.

With a prenup, couples can address their rights regarding personal earnings, retirement benefits, or children from a previous marriage. Our New Haven prenuptial agreements lawyers can address any of these issue with you as well as any other concerns you may have.

Common Matters Addressed in Prenuptial Agreements

Many prospective spouses assume prenups only exist to prepare couples for separation and divorce. However, premarital contracts do not always have to address marital dissolution. Instead, these agreements may help couples prevent future financial disputes.

The Connecticut Premarital Agreements Act permits couples preparing for marriage to include any or all of the following provisions in a prenuptial contract:

• Legal concerns related to personal, property, and financial rights
• Business ownership, management, and control rights
• Estate planning, including wills, trusts, and anticipated family inheritances
• Retirement, life insurance, and healthcare benefits
• Matters involving the care of older relatives
• Spousal support or alimony in the event of separation or divorce
• Agreed distribution of assets and liabilities in the event of death, separation, or marital dissolution

Judges may refuse to enforce premarital contracts containing certain unlawful provisions. This may include terms reducing or eliminating child support for shared children, setting custody and visitation rights, or permitting criminal or otherwise unacceptable conduct. Couples considering prenuptial agreements should work with a qualified local attorney to ensure compliance with state law.

Enforceability of Premarital Contracts in New Haven

Only couples preparing to enter a legal marriage may execute premarital contracts. Once drafted, family courts review prenups to ensure legality and fairness. Failure to abide by certain state laws may result in an invalid agreement. Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-36g and related laws permit local judges to void part or all of a premarital contract in the following circumstances:

• The couple did not adhere to execution formalities such as disclosing all assets, liability, income, and other financial obligations
• Both parties did not have the opportunity to retain and consult with private legal counsel
• The agreement incorporated unlawful provisions involving child custody, visitation, and support
• The contract was signed involuntarily or while one party was under extreme duress
• The parties never legally married or entered an illegal marriage
• The terms of the contract if enforced would result in gross inequity

Additionally, if a prenuptial agreement eliminates or reduces alimony, a court may void this provision if an otherwise eligible party would suffer extreme financial hardship requiring state intervention. A lawyer in the area can help someone prepare prenup that is legally binding and fair.

Consult with an Experienced New Haven Prenuptial Agreements Attorney

It is important to learn about the legal implications of marriage before entering a union. A seasoned New Haven prenuptial agreements lawyer can inform you of your rights and draft a contract that addresses your needs. Call us today to learn how our team can support you.