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Tennessee Postnuptial Agreement

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POSTNUPTIAL AGREEMENT

READ BEFORE SIGNING: IMPORTANT NOTICE: EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT AGREES THAT THEY HAVE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY OF THEIR CHOICE LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN THEIR STATE OF RESIDENCE (NOT THE SAME ATTORNEY) AND THAT THEY HAVE FULLY READ, UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY FURTHER AGREES THAT THEY ARE NOT ACTING UNDER DURESS OR UNDUE INFLUENCE IN EXECUTING THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT EXECUTION OF SAME IS DONE FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY.

THIS AGREEMENT, made this day of , , between

(Name), of (Address), ("first party or Wife"), and (Name), of (Address), ("second party or Husband"),

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, Wife and Husband are now married, having been married on the day of , , in County, ;

WHEREAS, the parties now desire to enter into this agreement to clarify and establish their respective and collective rights, titles and interests in the separate and joint property of the parties, in the event of divorce, death or other circumstances that would serve to terminate their marriage, but without the present intent of either party to obtain a divorce or a legal separation;

and

WHEREAS, by execution of this agreement, the parties warrant and represent that they have fully disclosed their financial status, including all assets, liabilities, and income, as listed in the financial statement disclosures, attached as Exhibits A and B; and

WHEREAS, the parties agree that this agreement is to be effective upon execution in accordance with the applicable laws of the State of Tennessee; and

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants, warranties and other benefits and advantages accruing to each party, the parties agree as set forth above and below as follows:

SECTION 1
SEPARATE PROPERTY

Each of the parties shall retain full control of his or her own separate property, real, personal and mixed owned at the time of execution of this agreement and described in Exhibits A and B, wherever the property is located. By the terms of this agreement, each party hereby waives and relinquishes all claim to the separate property of the other. Each of the parties shall have and hereby is given the right to lease, sell, convey, mortgage or otherwise dispose of their separate property and receive all monies, rents, issues, income and profits thereof without any restrictions and without interference from the other party. Each of the parties shall be responsible for satisfying any tax obligations regarding his or her separate property. Despite any other provisions of this instrument, this agreement shall not affect in any way the parties' rights, titles, powers, duties, discretions, immunities and interest in any property owned in joint tenancy or entirety with rights of survivorship.

SECTION 2
JOINT PROPERTY

The parties agree that all property not specifically designated as separate property shall be deemed to be part of their joint estates and considered their joint property. By the terms of this agreement, the parties evidence their intent to grant the powers and rights to the parties as to jointly owned property as is provided to spouses by operation of law.

SECTION 3
SEPARATION AND DIVORCE

To the extent permitted by law, this agreement shall govern the rights and obligations of the parties in the event of death of either or both parties, separation or divorce. Although the parties do not presently intend to separate or divorce, the parties agree this agreement shall be binding on both parties in the event of separation or divorce, and shall, if applicable, and allowed by law, be incorporated into any divorce decree.

In the event of separation or divorce, the parties agree that the following types of property will be designated as either the separate or joint property of the parties:

(a) All property acquired by each party in their own name and/or with the use of their own assets or income prior to the execution of this agreement: separate or joint;

(b) All property acquired by each party in their own name and/or with the use of their own assets or income after the execution of this agreement: separate or joint;

(c) All property acquired in the joint names of both parties and/or with the use of joint assets or income prior to the execution of this agreement: separate or joint;

(d) All property acquired in the joint names of both parties and/or with the use of joint assets or income after the execution of this agreement: separate or joint;

(e) All property acquired in exchange for or from the sale proceeds of property owned by either party prior to the execution of this agreement: separate or joint;

(f) All property acquired in exchange for or from the sale proceeds of property owned by either party after the execution of this agreement: separate or joint;

(g) All property acquired in exchange for or from the sale proceeds of property owned by both parties before execution of this agreement: separate or joint;

(h) All property acquired in exchange for or from the sale proceeds of property owned by both parties after execution of this agreement: separate or joint;

(i) All monetary awards or settlements resulting from a lawsuit or other legal proceeding involving either party before the execution of this agreement: separate or joint;

(j) All monetary awards or settlements resulting from a lawsuit or other legal proceeding involving either party after the execution of this agreement: separate or joint;

(k) All monetary awards or settlements resulting from a lawsuit or other legal proceeding involving both parties before the execution of this agreement: separate or joint;

(l) All monetary award or settlements resulting from a lawsuit or other legal proceeding involving both parties after the execution of this agreement: separate or joint;

(m) All insurance proceeds received by either party before execution of this agreement: separate or joint;

(n) All insurance proceeds received by either party after execution of this agreement: separate or joint;

(o) All insurance proceeds received by both parties before execution of this agreement: separate or joint;

(p) All insurance proceeds received by both parties after execution of this agreement: separate or joint;

(q) All gambling or lottery winnings received by either party before execution of this agreement: separate or joint;

(r) All gambling or lottery winnings received by either party after execution of this agreement: separate or joint;

(s) All earnings, salary, wages, bonuses, commissions or dividends of either party received or earned before the execution of this agreement: separate or joint;

(t) All earnings, salary, wages, bonuses, commissions or dividends of either party received or earned after the execution of this agreement: separate or joint;

(u) Other:

Not applicable or The parties further agree that in the event of separation or divorce, the following additional provisions shall apply notwithstanding the other provisions of this agreement:

(a) The Wife shall be entitled to receive property of Husband described as follows:

(b) The Husband shall be entitled to receive property of Wife described as follows:

(c) The following property shall be sold and the proceeds, less expenses, divided equally between the parties:

(d) The marital domicile shall be

SECTION 4
DEBTS AND LIABILITIES

The parties agree that each party shall pay the debts and liabilities incurred prior to execution of this agreement in that party’s name as separate property, and in no case shall either party be held liable for the debts and liabilities incurred in the other party’s name prior to execution of this agreement, but that the parties shall jointly pay for the debts and liabilities incurred in both parties’ names prior to the execution of this agreement as joint property; or the parties shall jointly pay the debts and liabilities incurred prior to the execution of this agreement in one or both party’s name as joint property.

The parties further agree that each party shall pay the debts and liabilities incurred after the execution of this agreement in that party’s name as separate property, and in no case shall either party be held liable for the debts and liabilities incurred in the other party’s name after the execution of this agreement, but that the parties shall jointly pay for the debts and liabilities incurred in both parties’ names after the execution of this agreement as joint property; or the parties shall jointly pay for the debts and liabilities incurred after the execution of this agreement in either one or both parties’ names as joint property.

SECTION 5
WAIVER OF MARITAL RIGHTS TO ESTATE

Not applicable or Each of the parties hereby waives and releases to the other any and all of his or her right, title and interest of every kind and description in any and all property acquired by the other party by inheritance or other means and to all or a portion of the property of the other party which he or she may have, acquire, enjoy or be seized by reason of, or during or after, their marriage, as the wife, husband, widow or widower of the other party, whether by way of dower, courtesy, homestead, widow's allowance, statutory share or provision, descent, community property inheritance, succession or otherwise.

SECTION 6
VOLUNTARY GIFTS

Nothing contained in this agreement is intended to preclude either party from voluntarily making provision for, or granting powers or rights to, the other party in and by the party’s last will and testament, a codicil thereto or otherwise.

SECTION 7
WAIVER OF RIGHTS TO PENSION/RETIREMENT FUNDS

Not applicable or Each party agrees that he or she shall retain all of the rights, titles and interests in the pension or other retirement plan or account in his or her name prior to and after execution of this agreement, including any income accruing or accrued from such plan or account and any increases in the value of such plan or account that result from depositing separate assets or income. The parties agree that regardless of the source of funds used in any pension, retirement or other deferred compensation plans or accounts, each party may maintain and continue such plans or accounts and each party waives any rights, titles and interests in the other’s plans or accounts.

SECTION 8
ADDITIONAL OR FURTHER DOCUMENTS; COOPERATION

Each party agrees that he or she will sign and execute any further or additional documents as may be necessary to put into effect the intended purposes of this agreement, such as any deeds, bills of sale, assignments, affidavits, tax forms or other instruments of transfer and title that are required in order to establish the parties’ respective rights in their separate and joint property. The designation of property as separate or joint, however, shall not be affected by a party’s failure to execute a necessary document, but the terms of this agreement shall control such designation.

SECTION 9
ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties pertaining to its subject matter and it supersedes all prior contemporaneous agreements, representations and understandings of the parties. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by all parties.

SECTION 10
AMENDMENT OR REVOCATION

The parties agree to reserve the right to amend or revoke this agreement during the joint lives of the parties and the parties’ marriage by a written amendment or revocation signed by both parties.

SECTION 11
ABSENCE OF DURESS OR UNDUE INFLUENCE

The parties agree and state that each has freely and voluntarily entered into this agreement. This agreement was executed free of any duress, coercion, collusion, or undue influence, and the terms of this agreement are not unconscionable, but are fair, just, and equitable. Both parties were provided prior to execution of this agreement a fair and reasonable disclosure of the property and financial obligations of the other party and each party had, or reasonably could have had, an adequate knowledge of the property and financial obligations of the other party.

SECTION 12
SEVERABILITY

If any portion of the agreement shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, then all the remaining parts or portions shall be construed, implemented and administered in full force and effect as if such invalid or unenforceable portion did not appear herein.

SECTION 13
CONTROLLING LAW

This agreement shall be controlled, construed and given effect by and under the laws of the State of Tennessee. It is the intent of the parties that the Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under applicable laws and public policies.

SECTION 14
SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, executors, administrators, and legal representatives.

SECTION 15
MISCELLANEOUS CLAUSES

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this agreement on the day and year first above written.

FIRST PARTY (“WIFE”)

SECOND PARTY (“HUSBAND”)

Approved:

Note: This agreement must be executed before a notary public.

NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

Personally appeared before me , with whom I am personally acquainted and who acknowledged that (s)he executed the within instrument as his/her free act and deed and for the purposes therein contained.

Witness my hand, at office, this day of , .

____________________________________

Notary Public, State of

Printed Name:

Commission Expires:

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

Personally appeared before me , with whom I am personally acquainted and who acknowledged that (s)he executed the within instrument as his/her free act and deed and for the purposes therein contained.

Witness my hand, at office, this day of , .

____________________________________

Notary Public, State of

Printed Name:

Commission Expires:

EXHIBIT A
FINANCIAL STATEMENT DISCLOSURE OF WIFE

I. Assets (Describe all assets considered separate property of Wife, including approximate value)

a. Real Estate

b. Bank Accounts and Cash (including life insurance cash value, and the numbers, names and banks of all financial, checking and savings accounts)

c. Trusts

d. Vehicles (including year, make and model)

e. Other (including securities, stocks, bonds, pension/retirement plans or accounts, etc.)

II. Debts (Describe all debts and liabilities, including all notes payable, mortgages, loans, etc.)

III. Annual Income (including salary, bonus, commissions, dividends, etc.) (Attach copy of Federal Income Tax Return and most recent paycheck stub.)

EXHIBIT B
FINANCIAL STATEMENT DISCLOSURE OF HUSBAND

I. Assets (Describe all assets considered separate property of Husband, including approximate value)

a. Real Estate

b. Bank Accounts and Cash (including life insurance cash value, and the numbers, names and banks of all financial, checking and savings accounts)

c. Trusts

d. Vehicles (including year, make and model)

e. Other (including securities, stocks, bonds, pension/retirement plans or accounts, etc.)

II. Liabilities or Debts (Describe all debts and liabilities, including all notes payable, mortgages, loans, etc.)

III. Annual Income (including salary, bonus, commissions, dividends, etc.) (Attach copy of Federal Income Tax Return and most recent paycheck stub as proof of income.)

Enter text

What a Tennessee Postnuptial Agreement Is

A Tennessee Postnuptial Agreement is a written contract entered into by spouses after marriage that defines how assets, debts, spousal support, and other financial rights will be handled during the marriage and after separation or divorce. It sets expectations for property division, clarifies separate versus marital property, and can address support waivers or obligations. While not filed with a court as a routine matter, a clear, voluntarily executed agreement helps reduce litigation risk and provides evidence of the parties’ intent if enforcement is later contested in Tennessee courts.

Why a Postnuptial Agreement Matters in Tennessee

A postnuptial agreement provides certainty about financial rights and responsibilities, reduces dispute risk, and documents voluntary choices about property and support. Properly drafted and executed, it may be enforceable by Tennessee courts and can help preserve separate property and business interests.

Why a Postnuptial Agreement Matters in Tennessee

Who Typically Uses a Postnuptial Agreement

Use is common across many family situations; legal review and full disclosure improve enforceability and reduce future disputes.

  • Couples with unequal assets, including business owners or investors.
  • Spouses facing significant financial change, inheritance, or debt allocation.
  • Couples seeking clarity on support obligations and property classification.

Typical Signers and Their Roles

Spouse

The individual signing to accept the agreement terms; must sign voluntarily and with full financial disclosure to minimize later challenge risk.

Attorney

Counsel for each party often drafts or reviews the agreement to confirm voluntariness, fairness, and compliance with Tennessee contract and family law principles.

Essential Information to Include

Full Names: As on ID
Marriage Date: MM/DD/YYYY
Property Lists: Separate vs marital
Debt Allocations: Creditor, amount
Spousal Support: Waiver or terms
Governing Law: State selection

How to Complete a Tennessee Postnuptial Agreement

Follow these steps to prepare a clear, enforceable agreement that documents intent and preserves legal rights.

  • 01
    Gather finances: Compile asset and debt schedules for both parties.
  • 02
    Draft terms: Specify property classification and any support provisions.
  • 03
    Review with counsel: Each party should obtain independent legal advice.
  • 04
    Sign and authenticate: Execute with signatures and appropriate notarization or witnessing.

Customizing an Online Signing Workflow

Configure signing order, authentication, and final delivery to reflect your Tennessee agreement's needs and evidentiary goals.

Field Configuration
Signer Authentication Email link | SMS code
Template Fields Conditional fields | Required initials
Notarization Workflow In-person or RON | Remote session recorded
Final Delivery Signed PDF | Audit trail included

Where to Send and How the Document Moves

Route the agreement so each party and counsel receives copies and a secure archive with an audit trail.

  • Initial upload: Sender uploads document to secure platform.
  • Signers notified: Each signer receives a secure signing link.
  • Authentication step: Signers confirm identity via chosen method.
  • Distribution: Final signed PDF and audit trail delivered to all parties.

Digital Signing and Platform Considerations

Ensure the platform you select can generate a tamper-evident signed file and meet any privacy or industry compliance needs.

  • Authentication Options: Email, SMS, KBA
  • Audit Trail: Timestamped actions
  • Storage and Export: PDF, DOCX, XML

Frequent Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Insufficient disclosure of assets and liabilities increases risk that a court will later find the agreement unconscionable or involuntary.
  • One-sided drafts prepared without independent counsel may be challenged on grounds of coercion or lack of fair dealing.
  • Vague or ambiguous language about property classification or support creates disputes and can lead to costly litigation.
  • Skipping notarization or proper authentication reduces evidence of voluntariness, complicating enforcement if contested.

Consequences of a Flawed Agreement

Enforceability Risk: Court may refuse enforcement
Financial Reversal: Property allocation may be undone
Increased Litigation: Higher attorney and court costs
Tax Exposure: Incorrect reporting risk
Creditor Claims: Third-party challenges possible
Revocation Issues: Disputed cancellation terms

Practical Tips for a Clear Agreement

Follow these best practices to reduce enforcement risk and preserve intent.

Disclose all assets and liabilities fully in writing
Provide up-to-date schedules and attach documented valuations where relevant. Full disclosure supports voluntariness and reduces later claims of concealment or fraud.
Obtain independent legal advice for each party
Independent counsel who reviews the agreement and advises the signer strengthens enforceability and helps courts view the agreement as voluntary and informed.
Use clear, specific definitions and dollar figures
Avoid vague phrases like reasonable value. Identify assets precisely, state amounts or formulas, and specify triggering events for support or division.
Record authentication steps and preserve audit trails
If signed electronically, keep the full audit trail and any remote notarization recordings. These records show intent, authentication, and the timeline of execution.

Core Components of a Professional Agreement

A well-structured postnuptial agreement organizes rights, duties, and procedures so courts and parties can understand and enforce terms.

Parties

Identify each spouse with full legal names, current addresses, and marriage date. Clear identification is the foundation for later enforcement and record matching.

Recitals

Set out the background facts and purpose of the agreement, including intent to define property rights and any planned changes in financial arrangements.

Financial Disclosure

Attach asset and liability schedules for each spouse. Accurate schedules reduce later claims that a signer lacked necessary information when signing.

Property Division

Describe how specific assets and future property will be classified and divided upon separation, divorce, or death to avoid ambiguity.

Spousal Support

Include explicit waivers or defined support terms, with triggers, durations, and any condition precedent to enforceability.

Governing Law

Specify the state law that will govern interpretation and enforcement—typically Tennessee law where the spouses reside or hold property.

Representative Use Cases

These scenarios show how postnuptial agreements address common financial and family planning needs.

Protecting a Business Interest

A founder spouse documents pre-marriage equity and dividends

  • Agreement excludes business equity from marital estate
  • The agreement helps preserve ownership while setting buyout terms if marriage ends, reducing future litigation risk.

Clarifying Support after a Career Change

A spouse returning to school negotiates a support schedule

  • Agreement specifies temporary support amounts and duration
  • Written terms give both parties certainty and a documented basis for enforcement or modification.

Comparing eSignature Providers for Executing the Agreement

Compare vendor pricing and key capabilities for secure electronic signing; signNow is listed first to match commonly used business comparisons.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about validity, signing, authentication, and updates for Tennessee postnuptial agreements.


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