When a couple dissolves its marriage or separates, there are many financial issues to consider, including those pertaining to property ownership, investment and 401k plans, wills and trusts, and provisions for child custody and child support. Marital agreements provide structure for spouses' complex financial relationships. In California, they can be an effective means for establishing who gets what in the event of a marriage ending, without the potential expense and ill will that can accompany a divorce or legal separation. At Violet P. Woodhouse, APC serving Anaheim, Irvine, and all Orange County communities, a family law lawyer with our firm can help couples prepare marital agreements that address their unique needs.
Marital contracts can be made prior to a couple's marriage (pre-nuptial or pre-marital) or after they have already wed (post-nuptial or post-marital). They can be simple or complex. Simple agreements reinforce laws that already exist. Complex marital contracts convert assets into separate property to facilitate equitable division between spouses in the event of a divorce or legal separation. The advantages of marriage contracts are numerous and include:
Properly drafted pre- and post-marital agreements are recognized as valid legal documents in California and take precedence over the state's laws concerning the division of assets and debt in the event of a divorce or separation. Such a document acts as a type of insurance policy that protects your rights to certain properties when the marriage ends.
With years of experience in assisting individuals in Anaheim, Irvine, and throughout Orange County, a family law lawyer at our firm can guide and advise you in the drafting of these documents. We can also ensure that the agreements are fair, are filed properly, and do not violate the guidelines outlined by the state.
If you have any questions about marital agreements, contact Violet P. Woodhouse, APC in Newport Beach – serving Anaheim, Irvine, and all Orange County – to consult with an experienced family law lawyer. We can help you prepare a pre- or post-marital agreement that suits your unique circumstances.
Contact our Newport Beach firm serving Irvine, Anaheim, and surrounding areas for an experienced family law lawyer who can assist you with the preparation of your pre- or post-marital agreement.
Violet P. Woodhouse, APC
Newport Beach, CA
2 Corporate Plaza
Suite 250
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone (949) 640-8861
Fax (949) 640-8862