Prenuptial Agreement
A contract entered before marriage that determines property rights and support obligations in case of divorce or death.
Example
The prenuptial agreement protected his premarital business from division.
Canadian Equivalent
In Canada, this is referred to as Marriage Contract (ON under Family Law Act) / Marriage Agreement (BC under Family Law Act).
Jurisdiction Variations
CALIFORNIA
Premarital Agreement (under UPAA)
California follows the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act; uses 'premarital agreement'
FLORIDA
Prenuptial Agreement (under UPAA)
Florida adopted UPAA; enforceability requires independent counsel or full financial disclosure
NEW-YORK
Prenuptial Agreement
New York has specific requirements: must be notarized and acknowledged like a deed
Related Terms
postnuptial-agreementseparate-propertymarital-settlement-agreementmarriage-contract