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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 , 2 , 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 , 2 , in , ;

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 South Carolina; 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:

separate or joint

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 [occupied by Wife until her death or occupied by Husband until his death or sold and the proceeds divided equally between Husband and Wife.]

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 South Carolina. 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.

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

NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

State of

County of

The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this by .

Commission Expires:

State of

County of

The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this by .

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 Postnuptial Agreement Is and When It Applies

A Postnuptial Agreement is a written contract entered by spouses after marriage that defines ownership of property, allocation of debts, spousal support arrangements, and procedures for division or inheritance in specified events. It commonly identifies separate and marital assets, sets expectations for business interests and estate distribution, and can include dispute-resolution clauses such as mediation or arbitration. To increase enforceability, parties should provide accurate financial disclosure, sign voluntarily, and meet the formal execution requirements of the governing state law.

Why a Postnuptial Agreement Can Matter to Married Couples

A Postnuptial Agreement offers clarity about property rights, protects separate assets and business interests, reduces uncertainty in divorce or death, and can limit litigation costs when tailored and executed under applicable state contract and family law.

Why a Postnuptial Agreement Can Matter to Married Couples

Which Parties Commonly Use a Postnuptial Agreement

Typical users range from couples with unequal assets to those needing estate or business protections.

  • Couples with unequal assets — Partners who want to preserve premarital property and clarify financial roles during marriage.
  • Business owners or professionals — Individuals who need to protect an ownership stake, intellectual property, or future earnings.
  • Families with blended heirs — Parties seeking to preserve inheritance rights for children from prior relationships while married.

Legal counsel often participates to confirm disclosure, state requirements, and enforceability.

Key Roles Involved in a Postnuptial Agreement

Spouse

The primary signatory whose full disclosure and voluntary signature are required. Courts assess whether the spouse understood terms, received adequate disclosure, and signed without duress; poor disclosure risks unenforceability.

Attorney

Independent counsel who reviews or drafts the agreement, confirms statutory formalities, and advises on waivers. Legal review reduces risk of later challenge and helps ensure the document complies with governing state law.

Core Parts of an Effective Postnuptial Agreement

A professional Postnuptial Agreement is organized for clarity and enforceability; include clear definitions, full disclosures, and precise remedies to minimize later disputes.

Parties

Full legal names and identifying details for each spouse, including residence and relationship status, to clearly fix who is bound and who may enforce rights.

Recitals

Background statements that set context—marital status, purpose of the agreement, and the parties’ intent to define property rights and obligations going forward.

Asset Schedules

Detailed lists of separate and marital assets, account numbers, valuations, and supporting documentation to demonstrate full financial disclosure.

Obligations

Specific provisions assigning responsibility for pre-existing debts, future liabilities, and maintenance of assets, including mortgage and business obligations.

Spousal Support

Clear terms on waiver, limitation, or formula for spousal support (alimony), with references to any state statutory caps or presumptions where applicable.

Dispute Resolution

Procedures such as mediation or arbitration, and choice-of-law clauses identifying the governing state for interpretation and enforcement.

Step-by-Step: Preparing and Signing a Postnuptial Agreement

Follow a clear sequence to prepare, review, execute, and store the agreement to maximize enforceability and reduce later challenges.

  • 01
    Gather disclosures: Collect bank, investment, and property statements before drafting to ensure completeness.
  • 02
    Draft terms: Specify asset division, support terms, and dispute-resolution methods in plain language.
  • 03
    Legal review: Each party should consult independent counsel to confirm voluntariness and fairness.
  • 04
    Execute formally: Sign, date, and notarize or witness as required by governing state law.

Configuring an Online Workflow for Execution

Set up a clear signer order, required fields, and authentication to streamline remote or in-person electronic execution.

Field Configuration
Signer Order Sequential or parallel depending on mutual waiver needs
Required Fields Signatures, initials, dates, and disclosure attachments
Authentication Email link, SMS code, or identity verification as appropriate
Retention Enable audit trail and downloadable PDF with certificate

Digital Signing, File Types, and Integration Notes

Use a platform that supports PDF and DOCX, audit trails, and secure storage to maintain a tamper-evident record.

  • Formats: PDF, DOCX, and downloadable audit-ready signed copies
  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 supported
  • Security: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit and AES-256 at rest

How Electronic Execution Typically Works

Electronic workflows follow a predictable path from upload to audit-ready signed copy; include identity and retention steps to meet legal tests.

  • Upload: Sender uploads the finalized document and places fields.
  • Invite: Signers receive secure links or emails to review and sign.
  • Authenticate: Signers confirm identity via email, SMS, or stronger methods.
  • Complete: System captures timestamp, IP, and stores a certificate of completion.

eSignature Pricing and Feature Comparison for Agreement Execution

Compare core pricing and capability points for high-level vendor selection; signNow appears first per standard comparison conventions.

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 Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes (Business Premium) Yes Yes Yes Varies
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Security and Compliance Features to Verify

Encryption: TLS in transit; AES‑256 at rest
Authentication: Email, SMS, or stronger methods
Audit Trail: Detailed timestamps and IP logging
HIPAA BAA: Business associate agreement available
Regulatory Certs: SOC 2 Type II; ISO 27001
Accessibility: WCAG Level AA support

Potential Legal Risks and Consequences

Unenforceability: Court may void agreement
Fraud Allegation: Concealment can trigger rescission
Insufficient Disclosure: Agreement may be set aside
Duress Claims: Signs of coercion void assent
Improper Execution: Missing notarization/witness issues
Tax Consequences: Unintended tax liabilities

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Agreement

  • Rushing signatures without independent legal advice can lead to successful challenges and increased litigation costs.
  • Failing to include full financial statements or asset schedules creates factual disputes and weakens enforceability.
  • Using vague or ambiguous language for asset division or support terms invites judicial interpretation and inconsistent outcomes.
  • Neglecting to select governing law or to comply with state-specific execution rules (notarization/witnesses) creates procedural invalidity risks.

Practical Examples of How Parties Use a Postnuptial Agreement

Two concise examples show typical scenarios where a Postnuptial Agreement clarifies financial expectations and preserves specific interests.

Protecting a Business

A small-business owner documents separate ownership of a corporation and income streams.

  • The agreement limits marital claims to salary-derived assets.
  • Clear schedules and attorney review reduced later dispute risk and facilitated business continuity when the marriage ended.

Blended-Family Inheritance

A spouse with children from a prior marriage preserves inheritance rights for those children.

  • The document specifies distributions and life-insurance beneficiaries.
  • Explicit clauses and notarized execution made post-death probate distribution align with the testator’s intent and minimized family litigation.

Practical Tips to Improve Enforceability and Clarity

Follow these drafting and execution practices to reduce risks and increase the likelihood a court will enforce the agreement.

Full Financial Disclosure
Provide contemporaneous, itemized statements for assets and debts; attach bank and brokerage statements and valuations to support the schedules.
Independent Counsel
Each spouse should consult separate legal counsel; courts view independent advice favorably when assessing voluntariness.
Clear Language
Use plain, specific terms for asset allocation, support, and contingencies; avoid boilerplate that leaves key terms ambiguous.
Formal Execution
Sign, date, and comply with notarization/witness requirements of the chosen governing state to reduce procedural challenges.

Timing Considerations and Typical Scheduling Milestones

While there is no fixed federal filing deadline for a Postnuptial Agreement, plan milestones around disclosure, counsel review, and formal execution to ensure validity.

Draft Completion:

Allow 1–2 weeks for initial draft and asset schedule assembly

Counsel Review:

Plan for independent review by each party, typically 1–2 weeks

Execution Window:

Sign and notarize when both parties are free from duress and have disclosure in hand

Recording:

Recording is rarely required; record only if dealing with real estate interests

Retention:

Store executed copies in multiple secure locations immediately after signing

Frequently Asked Questions About Postnuptial Agreements

Answers address common execution, enforceability, and revision questions, citing relevant legal principles and practical steps to reduce risk.


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