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A prenuptial agreement (often called a prenup) is a legally binding agreement created before marriage in which both spouses agree to certain terms that would take effect in the event of a divorce. A valid and legal prenuptial agreement could save one spouse from great financial loss after a divorce, for example, by arranging property division to protect his or her premarital assets.
A prenup is an important document that could make a divorce much easier on a couple. A prenup must contain certain elements to stand up in court. If you wish to discuss the benefits of a prenuptial agreement or start the process in California, contact the San Jose prenuptial agreement lawyers at Schoenberg Family Law Group. Call (415) 212-8023 today.
Having the right attorney can make the difference between a prenup that stands strong and one that’s later challenged in court.
Choosing the right attorney to draft or review your prenup can determine whether it holds up in court. Our team combines decades of family law specialization with local insight to ensure your agreement is fair, enforceable, and compliant with California’s Uniform Premarital Agreement Act.
A prenuptial agreement is a legal document drawn up prior to marriage. It sets rules and terms for what will happen – primarily to assets – if the couple divorces. It can preserve the nature of property in the event of a dissolution of marriage. For example, separately owned property by each spouse can remain separate rather than commingling upon marriage. A prenup can protect each spouse’s property, assets and financial worth. If the marriage fails in the future, the terms of a prenup can prevent a judge from intervening and making decisions about property division and other aspects of the divorce. It can clarify rights, protect assets, prevent one spouse from accumulating another’s debts and help a couple avoid conflict.
Prenuptial agreements are not right for every couple. Having one, however, could give you peace of mind and confidence in the future. Creating a prenuptial agreement does not mean you anticipate divorcing your spouse. It does grant you and your spouse the right to remain in control of important assets, properties, decisions and debts. Prenups are most common among couples in California with certain factors involved in their marriages.
If you are unsure whether a prenuptial agreement would benefit you and your spouse, discuss your specific situation with our lawyers at Schoenberg Family Law Group. We can determine whether a prenup would benefit you. If so, we can help you work with your spouse to draft a legally binding document that protects both of your rights and that will hold up in court.
Furthermore, a valid prenuptial agreement must come with certain steps completed by either party prior to signing. The parties must exchange complete financial information and had at least seven days to review the contract before signing. The spouse must also have had the opportunity to bring the prenuptial agreement to an attorney – a separate attorney from the one representing the other spouse. Working with a lawyer can help you and your spouse create a legally valid prenup in California. The terms of the agreement will become effective on the day of your marriage.
Our attorneys regularly assist clients in preparing prenups that comply with Santa Clara County’s court standards and California’s UPAA (§1610–1617). We help clients ensure their agreements are properly negotiated, reviewed, and notarized, so they are fully enforceable if challenged in a future divorce or legal proceeding.
Most prenuptial agreements focus on the division of property in a divorce. This is the bulk of the language, terms and information in most prenups in California. Under the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act, a prenuptial contract can address several matters involving marital property. These can include how the couple will divide property and debts upon divorce and any other property-related terms that do not violate the law or public policy. Prenups can also contain alimony or spousal maintenance provisions.
It is against the law to insert some policies or requirements in a prenuptial agreement. The courts in California will not honor illegal terms in a prenup. Illegal terms may invalidate the entire agreement depending on the situation. A valid prenup cannot include certain terms or orders that go against public policy.
It is important to only include legally sound terms in your prenuptial agreement in San Jose. Otherwise, the courts may invalidate the entire document in the event of a divorce. A lawyer can help you ensure the validity of your prenup with personalized professional assistance.
Yes, if properly drafted and executed, prenuptial agreements are legally enforceable in California under the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (UPAA). Both parties must sign voluntarily, with full financial disclosure and adequate time to review the terms before marriage.
While not legally required, having an attorney ensures your agreement meets all California requirements and holds up in court. Each spouse should have independent legal counsel to avoid potential challenges based on coercion or unfairness.
A prenup can outline how property, debts, and assets will be divided in the event of divorce or death. It can also include terms about spousal support and business ownership, provided they comply with state law and public policy.
California law prohibits prenups from containing provisions about child custody, child support, or anything that violates public policy. Including illegal or unfair terms can make the entire agreement invalid.
Ideally, you should begin the process several months before your wedding. California law requires at least seven days between when one party receives the final draft and when it’s signed, so starting early helps prevent disputes over timing or pressure.
Yes. Couples can modify or revoke a prenuptial agreement after marriage by creating a postnuptial agreement. Both spouses must agree to the changes in writing and meet the same legal standards required for a prenup.
Without a prenup, California’s community property laws determine how assets and debts are divided in a divorce. This means most property acquired during the marriage will be split equally between both spouses, regardless of who earned it.
Yes. A prenup can preserve your ownership of a business, inheritance, or other separate property by keeping it distinct from marital assets. This protection helps prevent disputes and ensures clarity if the marriage ends.
Creating a prenuptial agreement in San Jose that will protect you and/or your spouse should you divorce may take help from an attorney. You and your spouse will need to work together, draft a comprehensive list of your debts and assets, agree on the terms of the prenup, put them in writing, and ensure the legality of your final document. Your attorney can assist you with each step of the process for an effective and binding prenup. At Schoenberg Family Law Group, we also provide postnuptial agreement services. Contact our local lawyers today through our online messaging system or by calling (415) 212-8023 to discuss a prenuptial agreement in San Jose.
"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.
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)
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
“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
