If you’re thinking about a prenuptial agreement in Arizona – or possibly have one – you’re probably curious about how long does it last? Is there an expiration date? Here’s what you’ll need know about how long your prenuptial is going to last.
How Long Does a Prenup Last?
A prenup is a contractual document, and like a lot of contracts, the agreement’s lifespan will depend on the specific provisions included. Usually, a couple’s prenuptial agreement will last for the marriage’s lifespan.
In many cases, couples include a “sunset” stipulation. This is a clause in the agreement that specifies a preset dissolution of the prenup after an established period. For instance, you can set the prenup to last for 5 years prior to it automatically expiring.
If there isn’t a sunset clause or particular stipulation in regard to how long a prenup will last, its lifespan is unlimited.
Each side may want their prenup to end after a specific number of years or wish the prenup to last endlessly. The decision is entirely personal and different to each couple.
Prenups are starting to be more popular with couples. As no one marries and then wants a divorce, prenups are a practical device. Prenups can strengthen the cornerstone of the marriage and encourages open, honest discussion about what they expect of the marriage.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Prenup?
It may take as short as a couple of minutes or up to a couple of months depending on the circumstances. AVVO says, “Your best bet is to schedule a free 1/2 hour consultation with an attorney who can give advice after the facts are known.”
Sources report that you should begin the prenuptial process about 2 to 3 months prior to the wedding. Signing the prenup so close to the wedding might end up with your prenup being voided.
Forbes (https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/divorce/prenuptial-agreement/#732c9ac562ba) says, “Presenting your intended with a prenup the week before the marriage is not good practice, and in some states could be used to overturn the prenup. For that reason, the idea of a prenup should be raised long before the marriage.”
What Does a Prenup Cover?
There are a variety of things that can be included inside of a prenup. Some of the things a prenup covers comprises of:
- Alimony payments
- Child(ren) from a previous marriage
- Estate planning
- Family assets
- Financial responsibility
- Accountability of debt
- Property allocation
- Savings and spending policies
- Individual and marital property
- Proprietorship of business
It’s vital to work with an experienced attorney that is knowledgeable in matrimonial law in addition to Arizona laws regarding prenuptial agreements. Mosher Law can assist you in finding the right professional in Arizona to address and devise a prenuptial contract that best suits the relationship and expectations of the marriage.
Source:
-
OgborneEngaging, Michelle N. “How Long Does a Prenuptial Agreement Last? Ogborne Law, PLC.” Ogborne Law, PLC, 3 Apr. 2020, ogbornelaw.com/how-long-does-a-prenup-last/.
- AVVO. (2014, August 06). How long does it take to prepare and sign a prenuptial agreement. Retrieved from https://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-to-find-a-good-lawyer.
