Legal Agreements That Shape Marriage in Lincoln, Nebraska
Marriage creates more than an emotional bond—it also establishes legal and financial rights that can have lasting consequences. For individuals in Lincoln and throughout Lancaster County, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements provide a way to address those issues directly, rather than leaving important decisions to be resolved later by the courts.
These agreements allow couples to set financial expectations, preserve certain property interests, and reduce uncertainty if circumstances change in the future.
Stange Law Firm, PC works with individuals in Lincoln, Nebraska to prepare, review, and address disputes involving prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
Why Some Couples Choose Prenuptial Agreements
A prenuptial agreement is a written contract signed before marriage that establishes how specific financial matters will be handled if the marriage ends. While often associated with wealth, these agreements are used by people from many different financial backgrounds.
Individuals may consider a prenuptial agreement when they:
Own property or real estate before marriage
Carry significant personal or professional debt
Operate a business or hold ownership interests
Expect future inheritances or family assets
Are entering a second marriage or blending families
Rather than focusing on worst-case scenarios, many couples use prenuptial agreements as planning tools that promote transparency and communication before marriage.
What Nebraska Courts Look For in Prenuptial Agreements
If a prenuptial agreement is later questioned, Nebraska courts may evaluate how the agreement was created and whether both parties were treated fairly at the time it was signed. Important considerations often include whether:
The agreement was in writing and signed by both parties
Each person fully disclosed income, assets, and debts
Any existing support obligations were identified
The agreement was reviewed well before the wedding date
Both individuals entered the agreement voluntarily
Each party had the opportunity to consult independent legal counsel
Agreements that lack disclosure or are signed under pressure may face challenges if enforcement is later sought.
Postnuptial Agreements After the Wedding
Postnuptial agreements are created after a marriage has already begun. These agreements can address financial issues that arise later, such as changes in income, the purchase of property, or shifts in financial responsibility.
Because spouses already owe legal duties to one another, postnuptial agreements are often reviewed closely by courts. Clear drafting and fairness at the time of execution are essential to their enforceability.
When Marital Agreements Become Contested
Disputes involving prenuptial or postnuptial agreements often arise during divorce proceedings. In these situations, courts may examine the agreement’s formation, the circumstances surrounding its execution, and whether enforcing it would be reasonable under current conditions.
One frequent point of dispute is whether both parties had independent legal representation. When only one spouse was advised by counsel, that issue may later be raised in an effort to challenge the agreement.
When litigation becomes necessary, careful strategy and preparation are critical.
Lancaster County Court Resources for Lincoln Residents
Cases involving marital agreements in Lincoln are generally handled through the Lancaster County court system. The following resources may be useful:
Speak With a Lincoln Attorney About Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreements
Although conversations about marital agreements can feel uncomfortable, many individuals see them as practical tools for protecting financial interests and avoiding unnecessary disputes. Addressing these matters early can provide clarity and structure for the future.
To schedule a confidential consultation regarding a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement in Lincoln, Nebraska, contact Stange Law Firm, PC online or by phone at 855-805-0595.
Lincoln Office – Lancaster County
770 North Cotner Boulevard, Suite 302
Lincoln, Nebraska 68505
Phone: 402-204-5002
