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family law

Premarital Agreement

A contract entered into before marriage that allocates property rights, support obligations, and other matters in the event of divorce or death, governed in most states by the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act.

Encyclopedia entry: Premarital Agreement

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premarital agreement

Also known as prenuptial agreements or antenuptial agreements.

Contracts made by parties to a marriage prior to the marriage that may determine matters such as one party's rights in the estate of the other in the event of the death of one of the spouses. Such contracts also may determine what to do regarding issues that are likely to come up as a result of divorce such as alimony or property division. Such agreements must meet the requirements of contract law with the exception that separate consideration is not required in most jurisdictions.

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Encyclopedia content from Cornell LII Wex (CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5).

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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.