Legal Definitions - prenuptial

Prenuptial

The term prenuptial describes anything that is done, agreed upon, or occurs before a marriage. It is most commonly associated with a legal contract known as a prenuptial agreement, which outlines how assets, debts, and other matters will be handled if the marriage ends.

• Example 1: Financial Planning Before Marriage

  Before their wedding, Maria and Carlos decided to sign a prenuptial agreement. This document specified how their individual properties, investments, and any debts they brought into the marriage would be managed and divided in the event of a divorce. This agreement is prenuptial because it was created and finalized before they officially became husband and wife.

• Example 2: Required Disclosures

  As part of the process for drafting their prenuptial agreement, Liam and Chloe were each required to provide full financial disclosures to one another. These detailed statements of their assets, liabilities, and income were exchanged well in advance of their wedding date. This act of exchanging information is considered a prenuptial disclosure because it happened prior to their marriage and was a necessary step for their premarital contract.

• Example 3: Premarital Counseling

  Sarah and David attended several sessions of prenuptial counseling with a therapist to discuss their expectations for married life, communication styles, and future goals. These discussions and preparations took place in the months leading up to their wedding. The counseling is described as prenuptial because it occurred entirely before their marriage began, aiming to strengthen their relationship prior to their vows.