Getting engaged is one of life’s most joyful milestones. Between the excitement of planning a wedding and dreaming about the future, there’s one important conversation many couples overlook—whether to sign a prenuptial agreement.
Contrary to popular belief, a prenup isn’t just for the wealthy or the overly cautious. It’s a practical, proactive step that promotes transparency, strengthens communication, and ensures both parties are entering marriage with clarity and confidence. At Lyons & Associates, P.C., our experienced prenup lawyers help couples create agreements that reflect fairness, respect, and foresight—so you can focus on your love story with peace of mind.
What Is a Prenuptial Agreement?
A prenuptial agreement (or “prenup”) is a legal contract entered into before marriage that outlines how financial matters will be handled in the event of a divorce. It will clearly identify what assets are going to be kept separate in the event of a divorce, and what assets will be considered joint (i.e. “marital”). It can address whether spousal support will be paid or waived, allocation of business interests, inheritance rights, and more.
While it may seem unromantic to plan for the worst, a prenup is really about planning for the unexpected. It provides both parties with a roadmap—so there are fewer surprises and less conflict if things don’t go as planned.
Who Needs a Prenup?
You don’t need to be a millionaire to benefit from a prenup. In fact, anyone entering into a marriage with property, business interests should consider one.
Here are some common scenarios where a prenuptial agreement makes sense:
- One or both parties have significant premarital assets or debts
- One party owns a business or professional practice
- It is a second (or third, etc.) marriage for either or both parties
- One partner expects to receive a large inheritance
- There’s a significant difference in income or earning potential
- One person plans to step away from a career to raise children or support the other
A prenup is a safeguard—not a prediction. It doesn’t mean you don’t trust your partner; it means you care enough to have honest conversations now to avoid difficult ones later.
What Can a Prenup Lawyer Help You With?
An experienced New Jersey prenup lawyer can guide you through:
1. Identifying What’s Important
Your prenup should reflect your values, priorities, and unique relationship. We help you identify which assets, rights, and responsibilities you want to address in the agreement.
2. Ensuring Full and Complete Mutual Financial Disclosure
A prenup is only enforceable if both parties fully disclose their finances prior to signing the agreement. We make sure everything is transparent—so no one feels blindsided later.
3. Drafting a Clear, Enforceable Agreement
We ensure your prenup meets all legal requirements under New Jersey law, uses clear and fair language, and won’t be vulnerable to legal challenges in the future.
4. Reviewing Agreements Drafted by Another Lawyer
If your partner’s lawyer drafts the prenup, we can review it and explain what it means, suggest changes, and negotiate terms that protect your interests.
5. Avoiding Common Mistakes
Many DIY prenups are thrown out in court due to timing, coercion, lack of New Jersey law language, or unclear terms. We help you avoid these pitfalls by ensuring fairness, independence, and adequate time for review.
What Can Be Included in a Prenup?
- Division of property and assets (real estate, investments, vehicles, assets held in Trust, etc.)
- Clarification of marital vs. separate property
- Spousal support (alimony) terms or waivers
- Protection of business interests
- Treatment of inheritances or family gifts, assets held in Trust
- Allocation of debts
Importantly, New Jersey law states that prenups cannot pre-determine child custody or child support—those decisions must be made based on the children’s best interests at the time of the parties’ divorce.
Why It’s Smart to Discuss a Prenup Early
Timing matters. Waiting until the last minute to bring up a prenup can cause tension or raise concerns about coercion. Instead, consider the conversation as part of your engagement journey. You’re already planning a future together—this is simply one more piece of the plan.
Having an open, respectful discussion about a prenup can actually strengthen your relationship. It shows mutual respect, honesty, and a willingness to confront tough topics as a team.
Common Prenup Myths—Debunked
“A prenup means we’re planning for divorce.”
False. A prenup is about protecting each other and your future—whether you stay together forever or not.
“It’s only for rich people.”
No. Anyone with assets and/or is a business owner can benefit from a prenup.
“My partner will be offended if I bring it up.”
Not if you frame it the right way. Prenups are a tool for open communication—not a signal of doubt.
Why Choose Lyons & Associates, P.C.?
At Lyons & Associates, we understand that talking about a prenup can be emotional. Our highly experienced and compassionate New Jersey prenup lawyers take the time to listen, explain your options clearly, and help you create an agreement that reflects your shared values and goals.
Whether you’re getting married for the first time or entering a new relationship later in life, our team is here to support you with personalized guidance and top-tier legal insight.
Start Your Marriage with Clarity and Confidence
A prenuptial agreement isn’t just legal paperwork—it’s a relationship-strengthening tool. It brings peace of mind to both parties and lays the foundation for a future built on trust, respect, and shared vision.
Ready to start the conversation? Contact Lyons & Associates, P.C. today for a confidential consultation with a trusted prenup lawyer in New Jersey. We’re here to help you protect what matters most—before and after you say “I do.”
