PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT LAWYER IN TACOMA, WA

Understanding Prenuptial Agreements in Washington State

Prenuptial agreement lawyer services in Tacoma, WA, involve drafting a legal contract between partners before marriage to specify the division of assets, debt responsibility, and other financial matters in case of divorce or death. Also known as premarital agreements, these documents are governed by Washington contract law and family law statutes. In Tacoma, couples frequently use them to protect separate property acquired before marriage.

Under Washington law, prenuptial agreements (prenups) must be fair and based on full disclosure. They cannot determine child custody or support, as courts prioritize the child’s best interests per RCW 26.09.002. Our attorneys verify that your agreement complies with state requirements, helping you avoid common pitfalls.

Benefits of a Prenuptial Agreement

A well-written prenup provides several benefits:

• Asset Protection: Protects individual property, like homes or investments, from division in divorce. RCW 26.09.080.
• Debt Management: Defines responsibility for debts incurred before marriage.
• Business Interests: Protects business owners from claims by spouses.
• Inheritance Planning: Ensures assets are passed to children from previous relationships.
• Reduced Conflict: Reduces disputes during separation, saving time and money.

For Tacoma residents, this is especially helpful in high-asset cases or second marriages. See our property division page for related details.

The Process of Drafting a Prenuptial Agreement in Tacoma

Working with a prenuptial agreement attorney in Tacoma includes these steps:

1. Initial Consultation: Review goals and assets.
2. Full Disclosure: Exchange financial information.
3. Drafting: Customize the agreement, frequently involving independent counsel for each party.
4. Review and Negotiation: Revise as necessary.
5. Signing: Execute before marriage and have it notarized for validity.

People often ask, “How far in advance should you draft a prenup in Washington?” Ideally, 3 to 6 months before the wedding.

Key Washington Laws Governing Prenuptial Agreements

Washington considers prenuptial agreements (prenups) as contracts under RCW 19.36, but family law also influences their enforcement. Key statutes:

• RCW 26.09.070: Allows separation contracts, applicable to prenups.
• RCW 26.16.120: Permits agreements altering community property.

Courts review cases for fairness, as in In re Marriage of Matson (1986). No child-related provisions are enforceable. We stay updated on changes and review them annually.

Costs and Timelines for Prenuptial Agreements

The costs for a prenuptial agreement lawyer in Tacoma usually range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the complexity. Timelines: 2-4 weeks for drafting and review. Negotiations and other factors can extend this.

Enforceability and Validity of Prenups in Pierce County

For validity, agreements must be voluntary, with full disclosure and no coercion. Pierce County courts uphold fair prenups but may invalidate unconscionable ones. Modifications are possible via postnuptial agreements under similar laws. Here’s a link to our legal separation page for more helpful information.

Why Choose Morgan Hill P.C. as Your Prenuptial Agreement Attorney

With a 4.9 aggregate review score on Google from 90+ reviews, Morgan Hill P.C. excels in Tacoma prenuptial agreements. Our team manages cases in Pierce County, producing personalized and enforceable documents.