Helping Individuals with Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements in Louisville, Kentucky and Jefferson County
Discussing a prenuptial agreement may not always feel romantic, but it can be a wise choice for many couples. Prenuptial agreements—also referred to as prenups, premarital agreements, or antenuptial agreements—help couples protect their separate property in the event of dissolution.
At Stange Law Firm, we assist individuals in Louisville, Kentucky, with drafting, reviewing, and litigating prenuptial agreements. We also handle postnuptial agreements, which are similar to prenuptial agreements but are created during the marriage.
What is a Prenuptial Agreement?
A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract made between two individuals who are about to marry. Its primary purpose is to protect each person’s assets and property in case of divorce or death. The agreement can also specify how property will be divided if the marriage ends.
Common items that are covered in a Kentucky prenup include:
- Property Division: How property (real estate, personal property, and investments) will be divided in the event of a divorce or separation. This includes assets owned before the marriage and any acquired during it.
- Debt Responsibility: How debts incurred by either party, both before and during the marriage, will be handled and divided if the marriage ends.
- Spousal Support (Alimony): Whether or not one party will be entitled to alimony if the marriage ends in divorce, and if so, how much and for how long.
- Business Interests: The treatment of any businesses owned or started by either party before or during the marriage, including how they will be valued or divided.
- Retirement Accounts and Investments: The division of retirement benefits such as pensions, 401(k) accounts, IRAs, and other investment accounts.
- Inheritance and Gifts: The agreement can specify whether assets received as gifts or inheritances by one party during the marriage will remain separate property or become joint assets.
- Assets Acquired Before Marriage: Whether specific assets owned by either party before marriage will remain the separate property of that party or be shared.
- Intellectual Property: Any copyrights, trademarks, patents, or royalties owned or developed by either party before or during the marriage.
- Future Earnings: How future earnings, such as salaries, bonuses, or other income, will be treated during the marriage and in the event of divorce.
- Dispute Resolution: The agreement may outline how disputes related to the prenuptial agreement, such as divorce proceedings, will be handled, whether through mediation, arbitration, or court.
Kentucky allows significant flexibility in determining what can be included in a prenuptial agreement. However, certain issues, like child custody and child support, cannot be predetermined or waived in the agreement. Additionally, for the prenuptial agreement to be enforceable, it must be entered into voluntarily, with full disclosure of assets and without coercion.
Louisville, Kentucky Postnuptial Agreements
A postnuptial agreement in Kentucky is a legal contract made after marriage to address the division of assets, debts, spousal support, business interests, and other financial matters in the event of divorce or separation. It is similar to a prenuptial agreement but is created once the marriage has already occurred.
Enforcing a Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement in Louisville, Kentucky
Enforcing a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can be challenging in certain situations, as courts apply tough standards when reviewing these agreements. However, if legal action is required, we offer caring and dedicated legal counsel in Louisville, Kentucky. Our focus is on helping you advance your case by collaborating with you to develop a legal strategy that weighs the costs and benefits of each decision. Together, we will work as a team to secure the best possible outcome.
Signing a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement without legal representation can provide grounds to challenge its enforceability. For this reason, it is crucial that both parties have independent legal counsel. Additionally, our firm’s Founding Partner, Kirk C. Stange, authored a book on prenuptial agreements titled Prenuptial Agreements Line by Line, published by Thomson Reuters (Aspatore Publishing).
Handling Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreements in Louisville, KY
If you would like to learn more about the Jefferson County Family Court, additional information is available through the following links:
- Jefferson County Circuit Clerk’s Office: Find details about the office and its services here.
- Kentucky Court Information: Locate specific guidelines and procedures for Jefferson County Courts here.
- Jefferson County Family Law Forms & Information: This link offers important family law forms in Louisville, Kentucky.
- City of Louisville, Kentucky: Learn more about Louisville’s local government here.
- Jefferson County, Kentucky Family Court: Get directions to the Jefferson County Family Courthouse in Louisville through Google Maps here.
Schedule a Consultation with a Louisville, Kentucky Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement Lawyer
While discussing a prenuptial agreement may feel challenging, it can offer significant long-term benefits for you and your family. To assist you, we have published articles on prenuptial agreements, providing valuable insights and information on the subject: Is a Prenuptial Agreement in Your Future? How to Have ‘The Talk’, Social Media Clauses Gaining Popularity in Prenuptial Agreements, Domestic Asset Protection Trusts Versus Prenuptial Agreements: What is the Best Option?, and Prenuptial Agreements for Elderly Couples.
To schedule an initial consultation with our prenuptial agreement lawyers in Louisville, Kentucky, call us at 855-805-0595 or reach out to us online.
Jefferson County (Louisville), Kentucky Office (502-516-7375) | 9850 Von Allmen Ct., Suite 235, Louisville, Kentucky 40241
