PRENUPTIAL & POSTNUPTIAL
AGREEMENTS
A prenuptial agreement represents far more than financial planning—it's a legally binding contract that must comply with Washington State's unique legal framework. As Spokane's dedicated prenuptial agreement attorney, Aster Law helps couples across Washington create enforceable agreements that honor relationships while providing essential legal protection under Washington contract law principles.
Secure Your Future with Spokane's Trusted Prenuptial Agreement Attorney
No Specific Prenuptial Statute: Washington state has no statute specifically governing prenuptial agreements; instead, courts apply contract law principles. This requires specialized expertise from a prenuptial agreement attorney who understands both contract and family law.
Community Property Implications: As a community property state under RCW 26.16, Washington courts typically divide marital assets equally unless a valid prenuptial agreement specifies otherwise. Our prenuptial agreement attorney services protect your separate property interests.
Understanding Washington's Prenuptial Agreement Legal Framework
Essential Legal Requirements for Washington Prenuptial Agreements
Full Financial Disclosure: Both parties must disclose all assets, real estate, business interests, and debts as required by RCW 26.16.030. Our prenuptial agreement attorney process ensures comprehensive disclosure.
Voluntary Execution: Agreements must be signed freely without duress, fraud, or coercion, with proper timing before marriage. Our prenuptial agreement attorney timeline recommendations protect against enforceability challenges.
Independent Counsel: Each party should have opportunity to obtain separate legal counsel. While serving as one party's prenuptial agreement attorney, we encourage the other party to seek independent representation.
Helping you navigate sensitive conversations with understanding and expertise.
What Your Prenuptial Agreement Can and Cannot Include
What You Can Protect:
-
Decide which assets remain separate property and which become shared marital property under RCW 26.16.030
-
Protect assets you owned before marriage, including inheritances and business ownership
-
Set terms for spousal support (alimony) payments or agree to waive them entirely per RCW 26.09.090
-
Determine who is responsible for debts brought into the marriage or acquired during marriage under RCW 26.16.200
-
Include provisions to review or modify the agreement after a certain number of years
What You Cannot Include:
Washington law under RCW 26.09.002 prohibits:
-
Decisions about child support payments (courts must ensure children receive adequate support)
-
Arrangements for child custody or visitation schedules
-
Any illegal activities or requirements that violate state or federal law
-
Terms that financially incentivize or encourage divorce
-
Personal lifestyle rules like household chores, social media use, or personal behavior
Courts maintain ultimate authority over child-related decisions to ensure arrangements serve children's best interests. Our Spokane-based prenuptial agreement attorney ensures your document complies with all Washington legal restrictions.
Postnuptial Agreements / Post-Marital Agreements
Life evolves after marriage, and so do your financial circumstances. Whether you've experienced career changes, received an inheritance, started a business, or simply want to establish clearer financial boundaries, a postnuptial agreement can provide the security and transparency your marriage deserves. At Aster Law Firm, Spokane's trusted prenuptial and postnuptial agreement attorneys, we help couples navigate these important decisions with understanding and expertise.
Just like prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements are legally binding contracts that outline how assets and debts will be handled during marriage and in the event of divorce. However, postnuptial agreements face heightened scrutiny under Washington law and require specialized expertise from a prenuptial agreement attorney who understands both contract law and family law. As a community property state under RCW 26.16, Washington courts typically divide marital assets equally unless a valid postnuptial agreement specifies otherwise.
Common situations where Spokane couples benefit from postnuptial agreements include:
-
One spouse receives a significant inheritance or starts a business
-
Career changes result in substantial income differences
-
Blended families want to protect assets for children from previous relationships
-
Previous financial arrangements need clarification or updating
-
Establishing clear financial expectations and responsibilities during marriage
Contact Spokane's Trusted Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreement Attorney
Contact Spokane's trusted prenuptial agreement attorney today, at sblakemore@asterlawfirm.com or at (360) 262-2525, to schedule your free confidential consultation. Our prenuptial agreement attorney, premarital agreement attorney, and post nuptial agreement attorney services are available throughout Washington State.