What to Include in a Fort Lauderdale Prenuptial Agreement

A Fort Lauderdale prenuptial agreement is only as useful as what it actually covers. Many couples take the step of drafting a prenup, only to leave out provisions that would have made a real difference if the marriage ever ended.

Getting the details right from the start is what separates a prenup that protects you from one that leaves critical issues unresolved. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale prenuptial and postnuptial agreements lawyer explains what to include in yours.

What To Include in a Fort Lauderdale Prenuptial Agreement

Under Section 61.079 of the Florida Statutes, the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act gives engaged couples substantial flexibility to define their financial rights and obligations before the wedding. Matters it can address include:

• How property owned before the marriage is classified, managed, and protected if the marriage ends.
• The division of marital assets and debts.
• Whether either spouse is entitled to alimony, and if so, in what amount and for how long.
• Ownership rights in life insurance policies and the designation of death benefits.
• Estate planning arrangements, including how each spouse’s assets will pass at death and how existing trusts or wills will interact with the marriage.
• How future increases in the value of separate property will be classified, whether as marital or non-marital.

Keep in mind that, to be valid in the Broward County Family Court, a Fort Lauderdale prenuptial agreement must be in writing and cannot waive or limit child support or time-sharing. It also must be fair to both parties, disclose all assets, and be signed without coercion or fraud.

What Couples Often Forget to Include in a Fort Lauderdale Prenuptial Agreement

The provisions most couples think of first when creating a Fort Lauderdale prenuptial agreement, such as protecting a home or savings account, are important. However, many engaged couples overlook categories of assets and obligations that are just as significant and can create major disputes if left out.

A thorough agreement anticipates the future and isn’t limited to just what you own today. Commonly overlooked items include:

• Stock options, restricted stock units, unvested equity awards, and other deferred compensation.
• Intellectual property rights, including royalties, licensing agreements, patents, or creative works.
• Cryptocurrency, digital assets, and online investment accounts.
• A family business or professional practice.
• Debts, including student loans, business debt, tax liabilities, or cosigned obligations.
• Future inheritances or gifts from family members.
• Real estate owned before or purchased during the marriage in another state or country.
• Pet ownership and care arrangements.

Getting professional legal help ensures your Fort Lauderdale prenuptial agreement meets all legal requirements and covers the full scope of your financial circumstances.

Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer Today

Creating a Fort Lauderdale prenuptial agreement only protects you if it includes all property, assets, and debts. For help creating a thorough document that stands up in court, contact Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices.

We help clients throughout Broward County create agreements that reflect their full financial picture and hold up when it counts. Request a consultation with our experienced Fort Lauderdale prenuptial agreement lawyer today.

Sources:

flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/61.079

browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family