Beware the Pitfalls of Drafting Your Own Prenuptial Agreement

You and your spouse-to-be know what you want in your prenuptial agreement. Why not put it in writing and sign it without the time and expense of talking to an attorney?

Even some otherwise smart people have thought they could write their own prenups. In one much-reported case, a Hollywood producer wrote a prenup on a napkin and both parties signed. When the marriage ended, the court noted that both parties had not been represented by a lawyer. The DIY prenup was ruled invalid and that mistake cost the producer many millions of dollars. (Next time around, he went to a lawyer.)

What Can Go Wrong with a Do-It-Yourself Prenup?

The story of the producer cost him more than most people will see in a lifetime, but there are many reasons a DIY prenup can go wrong.

• California laws are complex and they change with regularity. An attorney can ensure your prenuptial agreement meets California legal requirements.
• An experienced family law attorney can bring up issues that you may never have considered. At Stolar & Associates, our family law practice makes us aware of those issues.
• The devil is in the details. The details in a premarital contract must be able to stand up to court scrutiny.
• There must be no question of pressure or fraud in a prenup agreement. All the terms must be reasonable in a judge’s eyes.

At our law firm, we have repaired many prenuptial agreements. We have also represented clients in court when there are disputes over a prenup. We know the value of a sound prenup negotiated and drafted with an experienced lawyer’s counsel.

Call for a Free Consultation with a Prenuptial Contract Attorney.

Make sure you have a prenup that will give you peace of mind as you start your marriage. Call 310.288.1828 or send us an e-mail. The first consultation is free.