ABA Family Legal Guide

Family Law

Money Matters During Marriage

Premarital Agreements

What is a premarital agreement?

A premarital agreement, also known as an antenuptial agreement or prenuptial agreement, is a contract entered into by a man and a woman before they marry. The agreement usually describes what each party's rights will be if they divorce or when one of them dies. Premarital agreements most commonly deal with issues of property and spousal support--who is entitled to what property and how much support, if any, will be paid in the event of divorce.