Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Validity of prenuptial agreement

It is an agreement between two people who are anticipating marriage. In the document, the parties set out how they would like their debts and assets distributed in the event of death or divorce.

Requirements of validity
That each party was of sound mind when it was drafted,
 Each had a thorough knowledge of the finances and assets of the other.
 The document must also be voluntary for both partners; under pressure is not valid.

 Validity of Prenuptial when challenged
The courts typically uphold prenuptial agreements unless one person shows:
1.    It is likely to promote divorce
2.    It was written and signed with the intention of divorcing
3.    One party was forced into signing
4.    It was created unfairly
Issues that are typically addressed by a court if the agreement is challenged:
a. Was the agreement entered into voluntarily?
b. Did the parties have the opportunity to have it reviewed by counsel of his/her own choosing?
c. Was there full disclosure of all assets, liabilities and income?

Additional requirements for valid Prenuptial include:
•    Both parties must voluntarily execute the agreement.
•    Both parties must engage in full disclosure of their respective situations at the time the document is executed.
•    Both parties must sign the document in the presence of a notary public.

What makes it Valid?
A.    It must be in writing and signed by both parties. It is enforceable without consideration.
B.    It becomes effective on marriage of the parties.

 Essential requirements that must be satisfied in order for a premarital agreement to be upheld:
a. There must be full and fair disclosure of the earnings, property, and financial obligations of the parties. A complete and comprehensive financial statement must be attached to the agreement that sets forth the parties' earnings, property, and financial obligations.
b. Both parties should be represented by attorneys. A prenuptial agreement will likely not be enforceable if the other party did not consult with an attorney, or did not waive the right to do so in writing.
c. The agreement must not be unconscionable. An unconscionable premarital agreement is defined as an agreement that would leave a spouse as a public charge or close to it.

The agreement is not enforceable if the person against whom enforcement is sought proves either of the following:
•    The person did not execute the agreement voluntarily
•    Person was not provided a fair and reasonable disclosure of the property or financial obligations of the other party.
•    That person could not have had an adequate knowledge of the property or financial obligations of the other party.

UK Law
Pre-nups are not strictly enforceable or legally binding in the UK (England and Wales). Unlike a commercial contract one cannot sue on a pre-nup and there is always the possibility that if the marriage breaks down the court will not uphold the terms of the pre-nup.

Contents
•    Definition
•    Validity
•    When validity is challenged
•    Important element to make an agreement valid
•    Issues addressed by court

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