What is Included in a Prenuptial Agreement? 

A prenuptial contract is a legal document that outlines the assets and debts that each partner will share during the marriage. It also addresses any issues related to the division of these assets and debts in the event of a divorce. Many prenuptial agreements also address issues related to children from a previous marriage.

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Child support 

In a prenuptial agreement, the parties can include a child support provision that specifies how much each parent will contribute to child support. While these provisions can be legally binding, they must still comply with state and federal child support guidelines. In addition, prenuptial agreements can only limit child support amounts, not eliminate them entirely. In the Einhorn case, the Supreme Court set aside the child support portion of a prenuptial agreement, but it did not invalidate the agreement as a whole. 

Prenuptial agreements are governed by the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act. To void a prenuptial agreement, a spouse must prove it is unconscionable. To determine whether an agreement is unconscionable, a court will look at the disparity in incomes and assets of the parties. If one spouse would be left virtually penniless without spousal support, the court will probably reject the prenuptial agreement. 

Child custody 

A prenuptial agreement can be a powerful legal instrument for parents. Although it cannot determine child custody, it can help ensure that each spouse has an adequate income to care for the children. In cases of divorce, the court will look to the best interest of the children to determine who will have custody of the children. Prenuptial agreements can also save time and money by avoiding costly litigation. 

Whether or not a prenuptial agreement can address child custody issues is a highly personal decision for a couple. In New York, however, the courts do not recognize prenuptial agreements that include child custody and visitation. The courts will decide the primary custodian of the children and the amount of child support due to each parent. 

Visitation rights 

If you are considering including visitation rights in your prenuptial agreement, make sure you understand the implications of such a clause. First, your agreement should not limit or eliminate spousal support. State laws consider the welfare of minor children to be a matter of public policy. If your prenuptial agreement limits or prohibits spousal support, the agreement may be void. Moreover, it cannot prohibit or limit alimony. Alimony is a financial support requirement that may be necessary for one or both parties to maintain a basic lifestyle. Furthermore, a prenuptial agreement cannot address issues related to the unborn child. As a result, the court must make the determination of what is in the best interest of the child. 

Prenuptial agreements are becoming increasingly common, as more couples marry with children and property from previous relationships. These couples want to preserve preexisting rights for their children and make the divorce process easier for everyone. 

Future gifts 

Future gifts are a common way to protect your assets from a divorce. However, they are not a sufficient substitute for a will. A valid prenuptial agreement can also include debts and require one spouse to pay them, ensuring that your assets are protected if one of you passes away. 

Prenuptial agreements should be discussed when you are still in love with each other. If the agreement was not made before you got married, you might find yourself arguing over the terms. That can hurt your relationship.