THE TO-DO BEFORE "I DO".  


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT PRENUPTIAL AND POSTNUPTIAL
AGREEMENTS
























































































If you have any further questions or need additional information about our
Pre-Marital or Post-Marital agreements, please do not hesitate to email
kelly@purposedrivenlawyers.com or call (323) 393-5669.

Copyright 2006 - 2008.   Law Offices of Kelly Chang.  All Rights Reserved.
Pre-Marital and Post-Marital Agreements
Phone: (323) 393-5669
Fax:      (323) 315-5234
We know family matters.
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Los Angeles, CA 90036
1.  I am getting married.  I want to explore the possibility of getting a prenup,
but I don't want to insult my future spouse.  How should I go about this topic?

It is tough to rid the stigma of a "pre-nup".  You hear in rap songs.  Donald Trump never
marries without one.  It signifies a certain je-ne-sais-quoi that most people shun.  However, in
this century, I advise my clients of the following: Prenups are like car and life insurance.  No
one likes to think about sudden or accidental death.  But it happens, just like divorce.  Prenups
are similar to insurance.  Though it may not protect you from all problems - however, if
properly drafted, it will certainly limit them.

In addition, you should inform your future spouse that prenups which "promote" divorce are
unenforceable.  You should speak with competent counsel for information on what "promotes"
divorce.

Finally, marriage is a legal union of two people.  The characterization and distribution of
assets and debts are indispensable parts of this beautiful legal equation.  That's something
worth discussing, and finalizing on paper, isn't it?

2.  What is the point of having a prenuptial agreement?

This is a fairly complicated question, but I will try to simplify it with my three P's:

* Protection of property.  This includes waiving community property rights, including real
property, businesses, intellectual property, and retirement plans.

* Providing of (or not) spousal support.  You can opt to waive spousal support (alimony).

* Preservation of separate property and debt.  Making sure what was yours is always yours.  
Making sure what he/she owes is always his/her debt.

3.  What can go into the prenup?

A lot of things.  Under the Family Code, you can include the following:

(1) The rights and obligations of each of the parties in any of the property of either or both of
them whenever and wherever acquired or located.

(2) The right to buy, sell, use, transfer, exchange, abandon, lease, consume, expend, assign,
create a security interest in, mortgage, encumber, dispose of, or otherwise manage and control
property.

(3) The disposition of property upon separation, marital dissolution, death, or the occurrence
or nonoccurrence of any other event.

(4) The making of a will, trust, or other arrangement to carry out the provisions of the
agreement.

(5) The ownership rights in and disposition of the death benefit from a life insurance policy.

(6) The choice of law governing the construction of the agreement.

(7) Any other matter, including their personal rights and obligations, not in violation of public
policy or a statute imposing a criminal penalty.

4.  What can't go into the prenup?

Limitations on child support.   Custody.  Religion.  Promotion of Divorce.  Damages for
cheating.

Technically, you can put these provisions in the prenup.  But they are unenforceable, so what
is the point?


5.  Is there a deadline for entering into a prenup?

Yes.  There is a seven (7) calendar day rule.  Ask your attorney.


6.  What is a post-nup?

Just like it sounds, a post-nup is an agreement entered into after the marriage has happened.


7.   Why would I get a post-nup?  

Same reasons. The three (3) P's above.  The difference between a pre-nup and a post-nup is a
marriage in between.  This is significant because marriage imposes strict fiduciary
requirements on spouses.  As such, post-nups will be more carefully scrutinized and easily
challenged then pre-nups.  It is of utmost importance that you hire an attorney to prepare a
post-nup for you.


8.  I am interested in learning more about the law, and I don't want to pay a
lawyer.  Where can I be educated?

I recommend starting with a reading Family Code sections 1600 et seq., also known as the  
Uniform Premarital Agreement Act.  I find it very interesting.


9.   Do we need lawyers to do a prenup?

Yes, and make sure they are competent lawyers.  Remember the first rule: You get what you
pay for.  Also, please note that if you are including provisions waiving spousal support, you will
need to have counsel.  Ask your lawyer.


10.  Ok.  I guess I'll get a prenup.  How much do you charge?

That depends on your situation.  Please contact us for an appointment.
LAW OFFICES OF KELLY CHANG
A Professional Law Corporation
**California State Bar Certified Family Law Specialist