Discussing a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement is not always easy, but thoughtful planning before or during a marriage can provide clarity, reduce uncertainty, and help couples make informed financial decisions.

Whether you are entering a first marriage, remarrying, bringing significant assets into a marriage, owning a business, or simply seeking to establish clear financial expectations, a carefully drafted agreement can provide important protections while reflecting the unique goals of both parties.

For more than 15 years, I have advised clients throughout Massachusetts on prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. I prepare, review, negotiate, and evaluate these agreements with the goal of creating documents that are clear, comprehensive, and tailored to each couple’s circumstances.

A prenuptial agreement, often called a prenup, is a legal contract entered into before marriage that establishes how certain financial matters will be handled during the marriage and, if necessary, in the event of divorce or death.

A thoughtfully prepared prenuptial agreement can provide certainty, reduce future disputes, and allow couples to make important financial decisions before they are married.

A postnuptial agreement, often called a postnup, serves a similar purpose but is entered into after a couple is already married.

Couples may decide to enter into a postnuptial agreement for many reasons, including changes in financial circumstances, the acquisition of significant assets, business ownership, estate planning, or simply a desire to clarify financial expectations moving forward.

Every couple’s circumstances are different.

Agreements are commonly used to address:

A well-drafted agreement can provide clarity while helping both parties understand their rights and responsibilities.

Prenuptial agreements are not limited to individuals with substantial wealth.

They are often appropriate for:

Every agreement should reflect the specific goals and circumstances of the couple.

Massachusetts recognizes both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements when they satisfy the applicable legal requirements.

Whether an agreement will ultimately be enforced depends on many factors, including the circumstances surrounding its preparation and execution.

Careful drafting, complete financial disclosure, and independent legal advice are often important considerations when preparing an agreement.

Timing Matters

Couples should begin discussing a prenuptial agreement well before the wedding date whenever possible. Waiting until the last minute can create unnecessary stress and may complicate the drafting and review process. Allowing adequate time for financial disclosure, negotiation, and independent legal advice helps ensure that both parties can make informed decisions

Agreements frequently address matters such as:

Every agreement is tailored to the parties’ financial circumstances and long-term goals.

Not every client needs a new agreement.

I also assist clients by:

Obtaining legal advice before signing an agreement can help ensure that you fully understand its legal and financial implications.

No two couples—and no two financial situations—are alike.

Some agreements focus primarily on protecting premarital assets. Others address business ownership, inheritance, future earnings, retirement assets, or blended family planning.

Developing an effective agreement begins with understanding each party’s financial circumstances, long-term objectives, and the issues most important to the couple.

A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement should do more than simply protect assets—it should provide clarity, minimize future uncertainty, and reflect the unique goals of both parties.

For more than 15 years, I have advised individuals and couples throughout Massachusetts on complex family law and financial matters. I prepare and review agreements with careful attention to the legal requirements, financial considerations, and practical issues that may affect their enforceability.

Whether you are creating a new agreement, reviewing a proposed agreement, or evaluating an existing one, I provide thoughtful guidance and practical advice designed to help you make informed decisions.