Prenuptial Agreement Attorneys in New Jersey & New York
Couples with prenuptial agreements are three times less likely to end up in court after divorce.
Our clients confirm it, because preparation is the strongest form of protection.
A prenuptial agreement, or prenup, is not about expecting failure. It’s about building a relationship on transparency and security. Whether you’re marrying for the first time, remarrying, or bringing significant assets into a relationship, a prenup ensures that love and logic coexist peacefully.
At Ziegler Law Group LLC, our attorneys draft, review, and negotiate prenuptial agreements tailored to your lifestyle, assets, and goals. With decades of experience across New Jersey and New York, we help you enter marriage with clarity and confidence.
Because when both hearts and finances are aligned, marriages last longer.
Understanding Prenuptial Agreements
A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract signed before marriage that outlines how assets, income, and debts will be managed in case of divorce, separation, or death.
It can protect:
- Real estate, investments, and savings
- Family businesses or professional practices
- Inheritances and gifts
- Retirement accounts and future earnings
- Intellectual property or brand ownership
- Protection from a partner’s debts
Prenups are particularly valuable for entrepreneurs, professionals, or anyone entering marriage with significant assets or children from prior relationships.
In both New Jersey and New York, courts recognize prenuptial agreements when they are entered voluntarily, with full financial disclosure, and with independent legal representation for both parties.
Why More Couples Are Signing Prenups
Modern marriage is changing. Today’s couples are more financially independent, marrying later in life, and often bringing complex financial portfolios to the relationship.
Recent statistics show:
- Couples with prenuptial agreements are 3x less likely to litigate after divorce.
- 42% of U.S. adults believe prenups are a smart financial decision.
- Among millennials, prenuptial agreements have increased by over 60% in the past decade.
These numbers confirm what our clients already know clarity and honesty prevent conflict later.
A well-drafted prenup doesn’t just protect wealth, it protects relationships from future resentment.
What Can Be Included in a Prenuptial Agreement
Prenups can cover a wide range of topics depending on your personal and financial situation. Typical provisions include:
- Division of property and assets in the event of divorce
- Responsibility for debts
- Ownership and management of family businesses
- Spousal support or alimony terms
- Retirement account and investment division
- Rights to family heirlooms or inheritances
- Life insurance and estate planning provisions
However, prenups cannot determine child custody or child support, as these depend on the child’s best interests at the time of separation.
Ziegler Law Group drafts each clause with precision, ensuring your agreement complies fully with New Jersey or New York law while remaining fair and enforceable.
The Legal Requirements for Prenups in New Jersey and New York
Although both states recognize prenuptial agreements, the rules differ slightly.
In New Jersey:
- Both parties must sign voluntarily.
- Each must provide full and honest financial disclosure.
- Each should have independent legal counsel.
- The agreement must be fair at the time of signing and enforcement.
In New York:
- The agreement must be written, signed, and acknowledged before a notary.
- Full disclosure is required for enforceability.
- Both parties should have separate attorneys for review.
Our attorneys ensure every step meets these standards so that your prenup stands strong under any legal scrutiny.
When Should You Discuss a Prenup
Timing is crucial. A prenuptial agreement should be discussed well before the wedding, ideally several months in advance. Last-minute agreements can appear coerced, which may weaken their enforceability.
We recommend starting the conversation early, approaching it as a form of mutual protection rather than mistrust.
A simple way to frame it is:
“This isn’t about expecting the worst, it’s about protecting what we’re building together.”
At Ziegler Law Group, we help couples have that conversation constructively, ensuring both parties feel heard, respected, and secure.
Common Misconceptions About Prenups
Many people hesitate to sign a prenup because of outdated myths. Let’s clear them up.
- “Prenups are only for the wealthy.” False. They are for anyone who wants financial clarity and fairness.
- “A prenup means I don’t trust my partner.” No. It means you trust each other enough to talk about uncomfortable topics openly.
- “Prenups are unfair to one spouse.” Not when both parties have lawyers and full disclosure. Fairness is what makes them enforceable.
- “They ruin the romance.” In reality, they can strengthen it by removing uncertainty and fear about the future.
Our clients consistently tell us that their prenup process improved communication, not damaged it.
The Benefits of a Well-Drafted Prenup
A strong prenuptial agreement offers more than legal protection, it offers peace of mind.
Key benefits include:
- Conflict Prevention – Reduces the chance of litigation after divorce.
- Financial Clarity – Defines assets, debts, and expectations early.
- Protection of Family Wealth – Safeguards inherited property or business interests.
- Transparency – Encourages open financial communication between partners.
- Privacy – Keeps financial arrangements out of public court records.
At Ziegler Law Group, we design prenups that are both compassionate and comprehensive — practical tools that support healthy relationships.
Can Prenups Be Modified or Revoked?
Yes. Circumstances change, and so can your agreement.
After marriage, couples can sign a postnuptial agreement to update or replace their prenup.
Reasons to modify may include:
- Significant changes in income or assets
- Birth of children
- New business ownership
- Relocation to another state
Our attorneys regularly review existing prenups to ensure they remain relevant and enforceable as your life evolves.
How Ziegler Law Group Protects Your Future
A prenup is more than a document, it’s a strategy for stability.
We provide:
- Tailored Drafting – Agreements customized to your financial and emotional needs.
- Bilateral Fairness – Negotiations that respect both partners’ perspectives.
- Legal Security – Compliance with all state laws to ensure enforceability.
- Discretion – Private and confidential communication throughout the process.
With over 100 years of combined experience, our firm has guided countless couples across New Jersey and New York in building marriages founded on trust, transparency, and mutual protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are prenuptial agreements legally enforceable in New Jersey?
Yes, provided they are entered voluntarily, with full disclosure, and reviewed by separate attorneys for each spouse.
Can a prenup include future earnings or investments?
Yes. A prenup can define how future income, bonuses, and business growth are handled if the marriage ends.
What happens if we don’t have a prenup?
Without one, your assets will be divided under New Jersey or New York’s equitable distribution laws, which may not reflect your intentions.
Can we create a prenup ourselves using an online form?
It’s not recommended. Generic templates often fail to meet legal standards and may be unenforceable in court.
Can a prenup be challenged later?
Yes, if one party can prove coercion, lack of disclosure, or unfair terms. That’s why working with an experienced attorney is essential.
Couples with prenuptial agreements are not preparing for failure, they’re preparing for peace.
Let our team trusted by judges, respected by peers, and chosen by professionals represent you.
Schedule a confidential consultation with a family law attorney in New Jersey or New York today.
Call us at: 973-533-1100
New Jersey Office: 651 W. Mt Pleasant Ave, Suite 150, Livingston, NJ 07039
New York Offices: 3 Columbus Circle, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019 | 107 North Main Street, New City, New York 10956
