St Louis Marital Agreements Lawyer

While getting married creates a bond between two people, it also creates legal rights and obligations. While it may be unpleasant to think that a marriage could end in divorce, it benefits all parties to consider what may happen if their union is not a success.

A potential marriage dissolution raises many questions in the eyes of the law. One way to maintain control over an otherwise unpredictable situation is to enter into a marital agreement with your spouse. Spousal contracts allow married or engaged couples to control how their potential divorce will play out.

A St. Louis marital agreements lawyer can help you protect your legal rights and ability to claim property in the event of divorce. You should let one of our skilled advocates help you protect your future.

Types of Spousal Contracts

A marital agreement is a contract between two parties that describes their property rights and financial obligations in the event of a divorce. Two people can enter into these agreements before or after getting married.

One of the most common forms of spousal contracts is a prenuptial agreement, which is entered into before a couple gets married. Alternatively, a postnuptial agreement can be entered into any time after getting married.

It is also possible to enter into a marital agreement in contemplation of divorce. Separation agreements can serve as a framework for a final divorce decree and function as a settlement between two estranged spouses. A St. Louis marital contracts attorney can help explain the benefits of entering into an agreement before filing for divorce.

Impact of a Marital Agreement

The purpose of a marital agreement is to control what will happen in the event of a divorce. It follows that a spousal contract has no legal effect if the marriage does not end in divorce. Furthermore, it is important to note that both parties are bound by the terms of any agreement they legitimize in court. 

According to Missouri Revised Statute §451.220, for a marital agreement to be legally valid, it must be submitted in writing, contain the signatures of both parties and witnesses, and be entered into willingly and with an understanding of the terms. A legally valid marital agreement can be used to:

• Define property rights
• Assign ownership of a business
• Distribute shared assets
• Establish alimony obligations

However, a spousal contract cannot contain terms on the custody or support of children. A marital agreements lawyer in St. Louis can help draft documents that fulfill these legal requirements and meet a person’s goals. It is very important to have an experienced attorney assist you in drafting your agreement so that it is upheld by the Court later.  

Call a St. Louis Marital Agreements Attorney Today

Divorces are notoriously unpredictable, but one way to retain control is to enter into a marital agreement with your spouse. Prenuptial, postnuptial, and separation agreements can dictate the terms of a potential future divorce and provide security about a couple’s shared assets. Consider reaching out to a St. Louis marital agreements lawyer from our team today to see how a spousal contract can help protect your future.