Chicago Prenuptial Agreements Lawyer
Protect your assets and clarify expectations with a comprehensive prenuptial agreement
Why Consider a Prenup?
- Protect pre-marriage assets
- Clarify financial responsibilities
- Safeguard family businesses
- Reduce future conflict
Professional Prenuptial Agreement Services in Chicago
A prenuptial agreement is a practical tool for couples entering marriage who want to protect their individual assets, clarify financial expectations, and reduce potential conflicts. At Illinois Estate Law, we help Chicago couples create fair, enforceable prenuptial agreements that provide peace of mind and financial clarity for both partners.
What Is a Prenuptial Agreement?
A prenuptial agreement (also called a "prenup" or "premarital agreement") is a legal contract created by two people before they marry. This agreement outlines how assets, debts, and financial matters will be handled during the marriage and in the event of divorce or death. Prenuptial agreements are governed by the Illinois Uniform Premarital Agreement Act and must meet specific legal requirements to be enforceable.
Prenuptial agreements aren't just for the wealthy. They benefit any couple who wants financial clarity, especially those with children from previous relationships, significant assets or debts, family businesses, or different financial philosophies. A well-drafted prenup protects both parties and promotes honest financial communication before marriage.
What Can a Prenuptial Agreement Cover?
Asset Protection
Identify and protect separate property, including property owned before marriage, inheritance, and gifts
Property Division
Specify how marital property will be divided in the event of divorce or legal separation
Spousal Support
Address whether spousal maintenance (alimony) will be paid and under what circumstances
Debt Responsibility
Clarify responsibility for debts incurred before or during the marriage
Common Reasons to Create a Prenuptial Agreement
- ✓Protecting Separate Property: Keep assets you owned before marriage as your separate property
- ✓Protecting Children from Prior Relationships: Ensure assets pass to children from previous marriages or relationships
- ✓Protecting Family Businesses: Keep family business interests separate and prevent dilution through divorce
- ✓Clarifying Financial Roles: Define how expenses, accounts, and property will be managed during marriage
- ✓Managing Student Loans or Debt: Ensure one spouse isn't responsible for the other's pre-existing debts
- ✓Protecting Future Inheritance: Preserve inheritance rights for specific beneficiaries
- ✓Second Marriages: Address complex financial situations when both parties have established assets and possibly children
- ✓Significant Income Disparity: Create fair expectations when partners have very different earning capacities
Illinois Requirements for Valid Prenuptial Agreements
For a prenuptial agreement to be enforceable in Illinois, it must comply with the Illinois Uniform Premarital Agreement Act. Understanding these requirements ensures your prenup will be upheld if ever challenged.
Our Prenuptial Agreement Services
Prenuptial Agreement Drafting & Negotiation
$5,000
Comprehensive prenuptial agreement services including:
- • Initial consultation with both parties
- • Full financial disclosure review
- • Custom drafting tailored to your situation
- • Negotiation between parties
- • Finalization and execution
Prenuptial Agreement Review & Negotiation
$3,000
Professional review of existing prenup including:
- • Comprehensive legal review
- • Analysis of fairness and enforceability
- • Negotiation on your behalf
- • Recommendations for modifications
- • Protection of your interests
Prenuptial Agreement Drafting
$3,000
Professional drafting services when both parties agree on terms:
- • Initial consultation
- • Custom agreement drafting
- • Legal compliance review
- • Finalization and execution guidance
Prenuptial Agreement Review
$2,000
Independent review of prenup drafted by other party's attorney:
- • Detailed legal analysis
- • Identification of unfair provisions
- • Consultation on implications
- • Recommendations for protection
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Protect Your Financial Future?
Start your marriage with clarity and confidence. Contact us to discuss your prenuptial agreement needs.