No one enters into a marriage thinking that it will end in divorce, but the unfortunate reality is that more than half of all marriages do end in divorce. If you’re considering getting married, it’s important to think about what needs to be included in a prenuptial agreement. In Arizona, there are certain things that must be included in a prenup for it to be valid. Here’s what you need to know.

What Does A Prenuptial Agreement Do?

A prenuptial agreement, or “prenup” for short, is a legal document that you and your future spouse sign before getting married. The prenup lists each person’s assets and debts, as well as how these will be divided if the marriage ends in divorce.

Prenups are usually only used by couples who have significant assets or property, such as a home, investments, or businesses. In Arizona, however, there is no law requiring couples to have a prenup in order to get married.

What Should Be Included In A Prenuptial Agreement?

Every prenup is different, but there are certain items that should be included in all prenuptial agreements. Here are a few of the most important:

An Agreement That Is In Writing And Signed By Both Parties

A prenuptial agreement also called an antenuptial or premarital agreement is a contract entered into by two people prior to marriage. The purpose of the agreement is to set out each person’s financial rights and obligations in the event of death or divorce.

Under Arizona law, prenuptial agreements must be in writing and signed by both parties. If the agreement is not in writing, it will not be enforceable. The agreement must also be executed before the marriage takes place.

A Statement That The Agreement Is Being Entered Into Willingly And Without Duress By Both Parties

A prenuptial agreement is a contract between two people who are about to be married. The purpose of the agreement is to define each person’s financial rights and responsibilities during the marriage and in the event of divorce or death.

It is important for a prenup to have a statement that the agreement is being entered into willingly and without duress by both parties. This helps to ensure that the agreement will be enforceable if it ever needs to be used.

A Clear Explanation Of Who Owns What Property

In order to make sure that both parties are on the same page regarding ownership of property, it is important for a prenuptial agreement to have a clear explanation of who owns what. This ensures that there is no confusion or disagreement down the road. Without this clarity, one party may feel like they are entitled to more than the other, which could lead to conflict.

Another important aspect of prenuptial agreements is specifying how debts will be handled in the event of a divorce. Debts can often be a point of contention in divorces, so it is important to have a plan in place for how they will be dealt with. Otherwise, one party may end up shouldering the majority of the debt, which could cause financial hardship.

In addition, prenuptial agreements can also be used to protect assets in the event of a divorce. This is especially important for people who have significant assets, such as property or investments. By specifying how these assets will be divided in the event of a divorce, it can help to prevent one party from losing everything they have worked so hard for.

The Agreement Must Not Be Unconscionable

A prenuptial agreement is only valid if it is fair and reasonable. If the content of the agreement is so one-sided that it would be unfair or unreasonable for one party to uphold, then a court may find the agreement to be unconscionable. In order for a prenuptial agreement to be upheld in court, both parties must have voluntarily agreed to its terms and the terms must have been fair and reasonable at the time that they were agreed upon.

The Agreement Cannot Waive Any Rights That Either Party Has Under State Law

Under state law, there are certain rights that either party to a prenuptial agreement may have. These rights cannot be waived by the terms of the prenuptial agreement. For example, in Arizona, each party to a prenuptial agreement has the right to:

• Receive full disclosure of the other party’s assets and debts;
• Have an attorney represent them during negotiations;
• Waive the right to receive spousal support in the event of divorce or dissolution of marriage; and
• Include any other provisions that do not violate public policy or law.

It Should Include An Agreement On How Financial Decisions Will Be Made During The Marriage

A prenuptial agreement in Arizona should include an agreement on how financial decisions will be made during the marriage. This is important because it can help prevent arguments and disagreements about money matters later on.

Some couples choose to have a joint bank account that they both contribute to and make withdrawals from as needed. Others opt for separate accounts but agree on a budget for shared expenses. Still, others give one spouse complete control over financial decision-making.

While these are some of the most important things to include in a prenup, it’s also important to tailor the agreement to fit your specific needs and situation. You should always consult with an experienced attorney before entering into a prenuptial agreement. If you’re getting married in Arizona, it’s important to know what needs to be included in a prenuptial agreement. A prenup can help protect your assets in the event of a divorce and ensure that both spouses are aware of each other’s financial obligations. Our team can help you create a comprehensive prenuptial agreement that covers all the bases. Give us a call today to get started!

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The attorneys at GillespieShields are well-versed in a variety of different legal fields, ranging from family law to civil suits, employment disputes and probate cases. Although we specialize in several areas of practice, our greatest passion is family law. We believe in giving families peace of mind no matter their situation, and we fight hard to maintain that peace. Whether you’re filing for dissolution or divorce, determining custody of your children, or thinking about adopting children, our experienced attorneys are here to help you every step of the way.  During our private, one-on-one consultation, we’ll take the necessary time to answer and and all of our questions surrounding Arizona’s family laws, your family’s unique situation, and the possible court outcomes. Contact us today for your consultation!

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