Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer | Bergen County

A prenuptial agreement allows couples to clarify financial expectations and protect assets before marriage. If you are considering this type of agreement, you may wonder how much it costs and whether hiring a Bergen County prenuptial agreement lawyer is necessary.

A well-drafted prenup requires legal precision to be enforceable under New Jersey law. 

At Weiner Law Group, our team ensures that your agreement reflects your financial interests while complying with all legal requirements.

Do You Need a Lawyer for a Prenup?

A prenuptial agreement is a legally binding contract. While New Jersey does not mandate legal representation for both parties, hiring a Bergen County prenup lawyer reduces the risk of future disputes.

Courts have invalidated agreements when they were unfair, signed under pressure, or lacked full financial disclosure. Having an attorney helps ensure your prenup meets legal standards and holds up in court.

A lawyer also plays a critical role in balancing interests. Each spouse may have different financial goals, and an attorney can draft terms that protect both parties without being one-sided. Without legal guidance, a prenup could include provisions that violate New Jersey law, making it unenforceable.

What Can a Prenuptial Agreement Cover?

A prenuptial agreement allows couples to define financial responsibilities before marriage. While every prenup is unique, common provisions include:

• Asset division—determines how property acquired before and during the marriage will be handled in the event of a divorce; 
• Debt allocation—protects one spouse from being responsible for the other’s pre-marital or post-marital debt; 
• Alimony limitations—spouses can agree in advance on potential spousal support terms or waive it entirely; 
• Business interests—if one spouse owns a business, a prenup can specify how the couple will treat its value in case of divorce; and
• Inheritance rights—protects family wealth by ensuring certain assets pass to children from previous marriages.

However, a prenuptial agreement cannot determine child custody or child support. The couple or a judge must decide these matters based on the child’s best interests at the time of separation.

The Process of Getting a Prenuptial Agreement in Bergen County

Understanding the process can help you feel more prepared if you are considering a prenuptial agreement. While each couple’s situation is unique, most prenups follow a structured legal process to ensure enforceability under New Jersey law.

• Consultation with a prenup attorney. The first step is meeting with a Bergen County prenup lawyer to discuss your financial situation, goals, and concerns. This consultation helps determine what provisions to include to protect your interests.
• Full financial disclosure. Both parties must provide complete and accurate financial information, including assets, debts, income, and any business interests. Failure to disclose all relevant financial details can lead to a judge invalidating the prenup.
• Drafting the agreement. Once financial disclosures are complete, an attorney drafts the prenup, ensuring it aligns with New Jersey law. They can also assess whether the document outlines all relevant financial concerns, such as asset division, debt responsibility, and spousal support.
• Review and negotiation. Each party should review the agreement with their own attorney to ensure fairness. If necessary, negotiations should take place to clarify or adjust certain terms before finalizing the document.
• Finalizing and signing. Both parties sign the prenuptial agreement well before the wedding date, ensuring no claims of coercion or undue pressure arise. New Jersey courts look at timing when determining enforceability.
• Storage and future review. After signing, the prenup should be stored securely, and both spouses should retain a copy. If circumstances change significantly, such as a major increase in assets or a new business venture, couples may want to modify the agreement.

Following these steps ensures your prenuptial agreement is legally sound and protects both parties. A well-prepared prenup can prevent financial uncertainty and provide peace of mind as you move forward.

How Much Does a Prenup Lawyer Cost?

Legal fees for drafting a prenuptial agreement vary based on complexity and the attorney’s experience. The cost generally falls between $1,000 and $5,000. Couples with significant assets, businesses, or unique financial concerns may require more detailed agreements, which may increase legal fees.

It is important to view a prenup as a long-term investment. Without one, a divorce can lead to prolonged litigation, potentially costing tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and asset division disputes.

What Makes a Prenup Legally Enforceable?

New Jersey law establishes clear guidelines for enforceability. A court may invalidate a prenup for a number of reasons, but the most common include:

• One spouse was pressured into signing,
• There was a lack of financial disclosure,
• The agreement is unconscionable, or
• Procedural errors occurred. 

Working with a Bergen County prenuptial agreement lawyer ensures your contract follows all legal requirements, reducing the likelihood of future disputes.

Common Misconceptions About Prenuptial Agreements

Many people hesitate to pursue a prenup because they have misconceptions about them and how they work. Addressing these misconceptions can help you make a more informed decision.

Prenups Are Only for the Wealthy

While high-net-worth individuals benefit from prenuptial agreements, anyone with personal assets, business interests, or financial goals should consider one. 

The national marriage rate in 2022 was 16.7 per 1,000 women, and the divorce rate was 7.1—meaning that nearly half as many marriages ended as started. 

A prenuptial agreement is not about wealth alone—it is about financial preparation, ensuring both spouses have a plan in place should the unexpected occur.

Signing a Prenup Means You Expect Divorce

A prenup does not mean that either party assumes the marriage will fail. Instead, it provides security and financial clarity for both spouses, much like an insurance policy.

Prenups Are Always Upheld in Court

Courts will not enforce agreements deemed unfair or those signed without full financial disclosure. A prenup attorney ensures your contract meets legal standards and remains enforceable should it ever be challenged.

Understanding the realities of prenuptial agreements allows you to make decisions that protect your financial future while strengthening your relationship.

Speak with an Experienced Bergen County Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer Today

If marriage is on the horizon, you should understand the potential benefits of a prenuptial agreement before tying the knot.

Weiner Law’s dedicated Bergen County prenuptial agreement lawyers have helped countless clients protect themselves and their spouses.

We are immediately available to meet with you to discuss your situation. We take pride in our ability to develop creative and efficient solutions that put your mind at ease. Call or complete our secure online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation.