Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
Not a lack of trust – a plan built on it.
There’s a common misconception that a prenuptial agreement is a sign that something is wrong – that you’re planning for failure before you’ve even begun. We’d like to offer a different perspective. A prenuptial agreement is a planning tool. It’s a conversation between two people who love each other and want to be honest, prepared, and fair – no matter what the future holds.
At Lewis Kannegieter Law, Ltd. we help couples approach this process with clarity, respect, and a focus on the future they’re building together.
Who These Agreements Are For
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements aren’t just for the wealthy. They’re particularly valuable for:
- Blended families: protecting children from a prior relationship and clarifying what each spouse brings to the marriage and what they want to pass on
- Later-in-life marriages: where both partners have accumulated assets, retirement accounts, or property they want to address thoughtfully
- Business owners: ensuring a business built before or during the marriage is protected and its future is clear
- Anyone who wants clarity: knowing where you each stand financially before you marry is a gift to your relationship, not a threat to it
Prenuptial Agreements
A prenuptial agreement is entered into before marriage. It can address how property and assets will be divided in the event of divorce or death, spousal maintenance, and the rights of children from prior relationships. Having these conversations before the wedding – when emotions are positive and both parties are engaged – often leads to fairer, more thoughtful outcomes than decisions made in the middle of conflict.
Postnuptial Agreements
A postnuptial agreement serves the same purpose but is entered into after marriage. Circumstances change – a new business, an inheritance, a blended family situation that has evolved – and a postnuptial agreement allows married couples to address those changes with the same clarity and intentionality as a prenuptial agreement.
Nuptial Agreements and Your Estate Plan
A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement and an estate plan work hand in hand. Both are tools for protecting your family, clarifying your wishes, and making sure the people you love are provided for. For blended families in particular, aligning your marital agreement with your estate plan is essential – ensuring that your spouse is provided for while also protecting the inheritance you want to pass to your children.
If you’re entering into a prenuptial agreement and don’t yet have an estate plan in place – or if your existing plan needs to be updated to reflect your new marriage – we can help with both.
Prenuptial Agreements and Family Law
While we approach prenuptial and postnuptial agreements as planning tools rather than divorce preparation, it’s worth understanding that these agreements can play an important role if a marriage does end. A well-drafted agreement can simplify the divorce process significantly – reducing conflict, protecting both parties, and allowing an uncontested resolution that serves everyone’s interests.
How We Can Help
At Lewis Kannegieter Law, Ltd. we understand that conversations about prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can feel uncomfortable – but they don’t have to be. We approach this process with care and respect, helping couples have the right conversations and put the right plan in place for their future together. Whether you’re preparing for a new marriage or revisiting your agreements as circumstances have changed, we’re here to help. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you plan with confidence.
More Than a Will: A Guide to Total Estate Planning by Jennifer R. Lewis Kannegieter
Most adults know they need an estate plan – but knowing where to start is another matter. This easy-to-read book walks you through everything you need to know, from the basics of wills and trusts to choosing the right agents and understanding the Total Estate Planning difference. A stress-free introduction before you ever walk through our door.