Last Updated March 28, 2024
What is a Prenuptial Agreement (prenup)?
A prenuptial agreement is a contract entered into by two people who are planning to marry. A prenuptial agreement is used to specify how property and debts will be divided in the event of a separation or divorce.
A prenuptial agreement is often referred to as a 'prenup' or 'prenupt'.
Should I get a prenup?
No one can tell you whether a prenuptial agreement is right for you and your situation. People can give you sound advice based on years of experience, but ultimately the decision is up to you and your future spouse.
That said, you might want to consider a prenup if one or more of the following is true:
- You own or co-own a business or businesses.
- You may receive a large inheritance.
- You expect to see a large increase in income.
- One of you is much wealthier than the other.
- One of you plans to support the other financially through post-secondary education.
- You have or will have a license or degree in a lucrative profession.
- You have valuable assets, such as real estate, stocks, or savings.
- You have parents or other loved ones who need a secure financial future.
What is discussed in a prenup?
Usually a prenuptial agreement will discuss the following topics:
- Division and ownership of property
- Division and ownership of debts
- Spousal maintenance
- Inheritance of property.
If I create a prenuptial agreement, will I avoid litigation in the event of a divorce?
A successful prenup can help speed up litigation or possibly even avoid it altogether in the event of a divorce. However, there is no guarantee that a prenup will avoid litigation at divorce.
Are there any limitations on who can create and sign a prenuptial agreement?
No. Generally, any couple contemplating marriage can enter into a prenuptial agreement.
What should I not include in a prenup?
A prenuptial agreement cannot be used to determine issues regarding:
- Child custody
- Child visitation rights
- Child maintenance payments.
Do not include any provisions that deal with the above, as the courts will always make a decision based on the best interests of the child or children at the time of divorce.
You should also avoid including any provisions that do not deal with property or finances. For example, you should avoid including a clause stating that your spouse must do the laundry twice a week. These types of demands not binding in court.
If you wish to list personal matters, such as the division of chores, rules for raising children, etc., you should do so in a separate agreement (with the knowledge that such an agreement is not legally binding) so as not to invalidate your prenuptial agreement.
Should all finances be disclosed prior to entering a prenuptial agreement?
Yes, it is essential that each party discloses their finances to the other (including all income, assets and debts). The prenuptial agreement can be challenged in court if it later revealed that one of the parties did not disclose or hid assets at the time the agreement was created. In the interests of full disclosure, it is smart practice to attach financial statements detailing the financial situation of each party.
When should we sign our prenuptial agreement?
You should sign your prenuptial agreement well in advance of your marriage ceremony (it’s recommended not less than 28 days before the wedding). Should the agreement later be challenged, the court will be less likely to question whether one of the parties entered into the agreement under duress, coercion, or undue influence.
Signing the document in advance ensures that both parties have had sufficient time to consider the agreement before getting married.
What requirements must be met for a prenuptial agreement to be held valid and legally enforceable?
Prenuptial Agreements are not legally binding and will not automatically be upheld or enforced by an Irish court in the event of marital breakdown. However, a judge will take your Prenuptial Agreement seriously and is likely to uphold it as long as certain safeguards have been met.
For a Prenuptial Agreement to be upheld, the following safeguards must be met:
- The agreement was completed in direct anticipation of the marriage.
- The agreement is intended to deal with a breakdown in the marriage.
- Full financial disclosure by both parties was made prior to the agreement.
- Both parties received independent legal advice at the outset.
- The agreement states that it is intended to be legally binding.
- The division of assets is reasonable in the circumstances and is subject to review in the event of major changes in circumstances.
- The agreement was entered into at least 28 days before the marriage.