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Severability Clause in Contracts
A severability clause can be “severed” (or cut off) from the rest of the contract. The effect of such a clause is that if any of the provisions are held to be unenforceable, the rest of the agreement is protected.
Why You Should Always Include Severability Clause
A severability clause protects you in the event one clause in the prenup is found to be invalid.
Why are some claueses invalid? Well, people err. Some people, against lawyer advice, want to put lifestyle clauses in their prenup.
For example, the strangest clause I have seen in a prenup says this, “Adam has expressed concern that if Eve terminates their relationship, he will no longer enjoy the fruits. To address these concerns, Eve agrees she will, despite the termination of their relationship, help Adam in securing a romantic relationship with someone with equal or greater physical and spiritual beauty as Eve.”
The clause basically says if they ever break up, Eve needs to find Adam a new girlfriend. Not just a girlfriend, but someone who is as beautiful physically and spiritually as Eve.
Clearly, this clause is not enforceable. Also see How Do I Guarantee My Prenuptial Agreement is Enforceable?
Luckily, this prenup has a severability clause, so in the event, this girlfriend clause gets tossed, the rest of the prenup stays good.
Sample Language
If any term, provision, covenant, or condition of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, the remainder of the provisions shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired, or invalidated. In such event, however, the court shall be authorized, upon the motion of either Party, to modify this Agreement to the minimum extent required to render it valid and enforce¬able and to carry out the Parties’ purposes and intent as set forth in this Agreement.
Example in Layman’s Terms
- If you waive community property, I will give you $10,000 per year of marriage as a separate gift, payable on our anniversary every year.
- If you cheat on me, I don’t have to pay you.
- Severability Clause
If section 2 is later found to be invalid, 1 and 3 stay good.
All Good Contracts Should Contain a Severability Clause
Don’t forget to put one in every contract!
@lawyerkelly Replacement girlfriend #getagirlfriend #prenuptialagreement #attorney #contractlaw #lawyersoftiktok #familylaw #divorceattorney #JustAddBriskZero
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