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Request a ConsultationA postnuptial agreement is a legal document that details how a couple will split assets and handle other elements of a divorce should the marriage come to an end. It is a document drafted and signed after a couple marries. It is not the same as a divorce petition and does not encourage divorce. Instead, it helps one or both spouses protect his or her rights, avoid taking on the other person’s debts, safeguard assets, and have peace of mind about the future. Please contact our San Jose postnuptial agreement lawyers at Schoenberg Family Law Group for personalized legal advice about a postnup today.
A postnuptial agreement sets up certain parameters that will become effective on the date the couple (and a notary) signs the postnup. The terms of a postnuptial agreement will not apply, however, unless the couple gets a divorce. Couples in California can enter into postnups after marriage if they wish to control property division and other matters in the event of a divorce. Rather than these matters creating conflicts and leading to the couple having to go before a judge in San Jose, a postnup can determine matters of a divorce in advance.
A postnuptial or prenuptial agreement often allows a couple to avoid going to court by arranging complicated matters when the couple communicates, compromises and agrees more easily – before or during a marriage – rather than waiting until the couple encounters problems and is arguing during a divorce. Signing a postnuptial agreement could protect your assets and interests if you and your spouse ever wish to dissolve your marriage.
Most postnuptial agreements focus on the division of property, assets and debts. They include monetary provisions that are fair and just for both parties. A postnup can cover the division of property, allocation of debts, ownership of a business, death benefits distribution, spousal maintenance, and other legal and financial matters in the event of divorce or death. A postnup can also enforce financial terms relating to children from a previous marriage, although it cannot change a court-mandated child support order.
It is against the law for a postnuptial agreement to include terms that are unfair, unjust, illegal or against public policy. In most cases, the courts will not honor a postnup with terms involving child custody, child support or other legal matters to do with children. The postnup cannot have unconscionable agreements that are grossly unfair to one party. It also cannot have terms that relate to the couple’s personal relationship or try to enforce nonfinancial demands, such as a certain amount of housework one spouse must accomplish. Illegal provisions could render your postnuptial agreement invalid in California.
A postnuptial agreement could save your marriage if you frequently argue over financial matters. It could give you and your spouse confidence in the security of each person’s assets should a divorce occur. Learn more about postnups in California during a consultation with our San Jose postnuptial agreement lawyers. Contact us online and we will get back to you right away, or call (669) 230-1304 to schedule an appointment.
"I was seeking a reputable family law firm for my prenuptial agreement and received high praise for the Schoenberg Law Group. My attorney listened to my questions and responded to them very patiently. She also paid close attention all my concerns and made sure I was aware of the legal value of the agreement I was about to sign. It was…”
D.R.“It has been a real blessing to find this family law group in my life. I was in the middle of a custody battle with my ex wife and had a lawyer who had sided with my ex wife’s lawyer. I was faced with the option of paying to a regular lawyer to do half jobs with no results or to invest a bit more for a top family counselor who understood my situation and at the same time not giving me false hopes."
A.L."I hesitated filing papers for a long time because I was not sure if I could survive a long legal battle. When we were married, my husband worked while I raised the children, two under four years old, and I was afraid I would lose the stability they needed. I had a wonderful group of friends that helped me search for a reputable law firm that could represent me when my focus was on my children. They found the"
L.A.We are trial lawyers who litigate high-conflict, high-stakes cases. While we try to build on mediation efforts and exhaust opportunities for a negotiated agreement, emotions, egos and various other realities often force these disputes into court. It is critical to work with a firm that knows how to apply the law and the facts in your favor, whether in the courtroom or at the negotiating table.
One of California’s Top Family Lawyers for five consecutive years: 2022–2026
SFLG Voted #1 Family Law Firm in California for six consecutive years: 2021 - 2026
One of the Best Places to Work in the Bay Area by San Francisco Business Times
Debra Schoenberg was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML)
Designated as a Certified Family Law Specialist by the State of California Board of Legal Specialization
Board-Certified Family Law Trial Specialist by The National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA)
“My goal is to preserve your dignity and your humanity throughout what can be a very difficult and painful process, while at the same time achieving a favorable outcome on your behalf.”
Over 400 Years of Collective Family Law Experience
Debra R. Schoenberg
Owner & Founder
Lily Huang
Senior Associate
Kimia Kojouri
Associate
Miho Takarada
Senior Counsel