Matthews NC Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer

When you’re planning a wedding, the last thing you want to think about is legal paperwork. But for many couples, discussing a prenuptial agreement is one of the smartest, most respectful decisions they can make before saying “I do.”

A prenuptial agreement — or “prenup” — is a legally binding contract signed before marriage that outlines how certain assets, debts, or financial responsibilities will be handled in the event of divorce or death. In North Carolina, these agreements can clarify what belongs to each partner, how property is divided, and whether spousal support will be awarded.

But here’s the truth: a prenup is not a prediction of failure. It’s a tool for communication. And at The Goodman Law Firm, we believe that protecting your relationship starts with being honest about the future — together.

What Can a Prenuptial Agreement Cover in North Carolina?

Prenuptial agreements aren’t just for celebrities or the ultra-wealthy — they’re for anyone who wants to enter marriage with a clear understanding of their financial rights and responsibilities. In North Carolina, prenups are governed by the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (UPAA), which outlines what a couple can (and can’t) include in a valid agreement.

Separate Property vs. Marital Property

A prenup can clearly define which assets belong to each spouse before marriage — and what happens to those assets if the marriage ends. This is especially important if one partner owns:

• Real estate
• Investment accounts
• A retirement plan
• Valuable personal property or collectibles

Without a prenup, North Carolina courts generally divide all marital property equitably (though not always equally) in divorce. But a prenup can prevent future disputes by making clear distinctions between separate and marital property from the start.

Debts and Financial Liabilities

Just like assets, debts can follow you into a marriage. A prenuptial agreement can specify that each spouse is responsible for their own premarital debts, including:

• Student loans
• Credit cards
• Business loans
• Medical bills

This is especially helpful when one partner is entering the marriage with significantly more debt than the other.

Business Interests and Inheritances

If you own a business — or have an interest in a family business — a prenup can protect that asset from becoming entangled in marital property down the line. Similarly, if you’re expecting an inheritance or have already received one, the agreement can ensure it remains separate and protected.

This is one of the most common reasons clients come to The Goodman Law Firm for prenups — especially among professionals, entrepreneurs, or those in second marriages.

Spousal Support (Alimony)

Your prenup can also address whether spousal support will be paid if the marriage ends — and if so, how much and for how long. This allows both parties to make informed decisions without fear or resentment clouding the process later.

However, the courts will not enforce alimony waivers that are grossly unfair or would leave one spouse destitute. That’s why working with a knowledgeable attorney like Kara Goodman is essential.

Children from Prior Relationships

While child custody and support can’t be predetermined in a prenup, you can protect the financial interests of children from a prior relationship — such as by designating inheritance rights or shielding certain assets for their future.

Prenups are especially helpful in blended family situations where clarity and fairness are crucial.

Who Should Consider a Prenuptial Agreement?

Prenuptial agreements aren’t just for the wealthy or high-profile couples. In fact, more and more people are choosing to create prenups because they value clarity, security, and open communication — not because they expect their marriage to fail.

Individuals with Significant Premarital Assets

If you’re entering marriage with real estate, savings, investments, or retirement funds, a prenup can protect what you’ve worked hard to build. It ensures that if the relationship ends, your premarital property remains yours — not subject to division or dispute.

Second Marriages and Blended Families

For couples entering a second (or third) marriage, a prenup can help manage complex financial dynamics — especially when there are children from prior relationships involved. These agreements can clarify inheritance rights, shield family assets, and help avoid conflict down the road.

Prenups are also an excellent tool for outlining expectations in blended families, ensuring fairness while honoring existing commitments.

Business Owners or Entrepreneurs

If you own a business — or have an interest in one — a prenup can protect your ownership and keep your company from being affected by a divorce. It can also prevent disputes over future appreciation, shareholder interests, or personal vs. business liabilities.

Many small business owners in Matthews and greater Mecklenburg County come to The Goodman Law for this very reason: to safeguard the business they’ve built.

People with Family Property or Expected Inheritance

Inherited assets can easily become commingled with marital property without clear legal boundaries. A prenup helps ensure that family heirlooms, land, trusts, or inheritance stay with the intended person — and are not subject to division later.

Whether it's your grandparents’ home or a trust account in your name, a prenup offers peace of mind for you and your family.

Anyone Who Values Financial Clarity

Even if neither partner brings significant assets or debts to the marriage, a prenup can still be helpful. It sets clear expectations about how finances will be handled — during the marriage and in the unlikely event of divorce.

A good prenup doesn’t create division — it fosters transparency, communication, and trust.

What Makes a Prenup Valid in North Carolina?

Prenuptial agreements can offer powerful protection — but only if they’re done right. North Carolina has clear legal standards for enforceable prenups, and failing to meet those requirements could leave your agreement vulnerable to challenge in the future.

At The Goodman Law Firm, we make sure your agreement isn’t just thoughtful — it’s legally sound, enforceable, and built to last.

Voluntary and Informed Consent

Both parties must enter into the agreement willingly and with full understanding of what they’re signing. If either person was pressured, misled, or manipulated into signing, a court may refuse to enforce the agreement.

This is why it’s essential that each party has time to review the prenup and, ideally, access to independent legal counsel.

Full Financial Disclosure

A valid prenup must include an honest and complete picture of each party’s income, assets, debts, and financial obligations. If either person hides key financial information, the agreement could be thrown out later.

The Goodman Law Firm helps clients prepare full, clear disclosures to ensure transparency and prevent future disputes.

Signed in Writing, Before Marriage

In North Carolina, verbal agreements don’t count. A prenup must be in writing and signed by both parties before the wedding takes place. Once the couple is legally married, a new agreement would need to be created as a postnuptial agreement instead.

Waiting until the last minute can create legal complications — and unnecessary emotional pressure — so we always recommend starting the process early in the engagement.

No Coercion or Duress

Timing, tone, and process all matter. If one party springs a prenup on the other right before the wedding, or uses threats or guilt to push them into signing, a judge may find the agreement was made under duress — and invalidate it.

The Goodman Law works with couples to ensure both parties feel safe, heard, and respected throughout the entire process.

Compliant with the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (UPAA)

North Carolina follows the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act, a set of legal standards designed to promote fairness and consistency in how prenups are created and enforced.

We stay current on all relevant North Carolina family law statutes and ensures your agreement complies fully with UPAA guidelines — giving you confidence that it will hold up in court if ever needed.

Start Your Marriage with Clarity and Confidence

If you're engaged and considering a prenuptial agreement, now is the perfect time to start the conversation. The earlier you begin, the more time you’ll have to make thoughtful decisions without stress or pressure.

At The Goodman Law Firm, we offer supportive, nonjudgmental legal guidance to help you create a plan that protects your future and honors your relationship.

📞 Call us today at (704) 502-6773

🖥️ Or schedule your consultation online at www.goodmanlawnc.com

We proudly serve clients in Matthews, Charlotte, Union County, and across the greater Mecklenburg region. Whether you're building a blended family, protecting a business, or simply want peace of mind before you say “I do,” we’re here to help — with clarity, care, and confidence.

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