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South Carolina Premarital Agreement

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PREMARITAL 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 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 , 20 , between (Name), of (Address), (State) ("first party or Wife"), and (Name), of (Address), (State) ("second party or Husband"),

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, Husband (check all that apply):

has previously been married;

has a child or children;

has not been married; and

Wife (check all that apply):

has previously been married;

has a child or children;

has not been married.

The parties desire to enter into this agreement prior to their contemplated marriage.

WHEREAS, the parties hereto have accumulated separate estates; and

WHEREAS, the parties are about to contract marriage and execute this agreement in contemplation of marriage to be effective upon their marriage in accordance with the laws of the State of South Carolina, including any Uniform Premarital Agreement Act, or other applicable laws, adopted by the State of South Carolina; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to enter into an agreement regarding certain properties, responsibilities, duties and obligations including but not limited to any interest, present or future, legal or equitable, vested or contingent, in real or personal property, including income and earnings; and

WHEREAS, the parties have furnished each other with a financial statement which each party acknowledges is a full and complete disclosure of substantially all of the real and personal property now owned by him or her and agree that the values are an estimate by him or her of the approximate present value of the property. All property listed is now and shall continue to be separate properties of the respective parties. Originals or copies of said financial statements are attached hereto as Exhibits "A" and "B"; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to express in writing their agreement that, except as hereinafter specifically provided, their marriage shall not in any way change their rights, or the rights of their heirs (exclusive of the parties) or of their devisees or legatees, in the real and personal property owned or hereafter acquired by each of the parties and that said rights shall be governed by the terms of this agreement; and

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the parties and of their mutual promises and agreements, they agree one with the other as follows:

(1) Each of the parties shall have full control of his or her own separate property, real, personal and mixed, wherever the property is located. 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 whatever and without interference from the other party. Each of the parties shall pay his or her own debts whenever contracted and in no case shall either party be held liable for the debts of the other parties in any way.

(2) Except as otherwise expressly provided, each of the parties hereby waives, relinquishes, conveys, quitclaims, bars, discharges, surrenders and releases, and hereby agrees to waive, relinquish, convey, quitclaim, bar, discharge, surrender and release, to the other all of the following:

(a) Any and all of his or her right, title and interest of every kind and description, which he or she may have, acquire, enjoy or be seized by reason of, or on or after, their marriage, as the wife, husband, widow or widower of the other party, in the separate property of the other party, whether real, personal and mixed and wherever located; and

(b) Any and all rights to any property of the other party titled in that other parties sole name, whether before or after the marriage; and

(c) Any and all property acquired by the other party by inheritance or other means; and

(d) Any and all rights, if any, to all or a portion of the property 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;

(e) His or her right, if any, granted to or vested in him or her, by statute or otherwise, to renounce, or to elect to take against, the provisions of the other party's will or any codicil thereto; and

(f) His or her right, if any, granted to or vested in him or her by statute or otherwise to act as executor or administrator of the other party's estate.

Except as otherwise expressly provided, it is the intent of the parties that this paragraph shall be construed so that each party may deal with his or her property and any trust in which he or she may have an interest as if their marriage had not taken place, and on the death of either party his or her estate and any trust in which he or she may have an interest will be administered, descend and be distributed in exactly the same way and to the same heirs, next of kin, devisees or legatees as if the other party had predeceased the party so dying. Nothing contained in this paragraph or in this agreement, however, is intended to preclude either party from voluntarily making provision for, or granting powers or rights to, the other party in and by the formers last will, a codicil thereto or otherwise.

(3) (check One)

The parties have each executed a Last Will and Testament, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibits and . The parties agree that these Wills are in conformity with the provisions of this agreement and as consideration for this agreement, each party does hereby waive any and all objection to the terms of the said Last Will and Testament of the other and each party agrees not to contest or renounce the terms of thereof. Likewise, each party agrees not to contest or renounce any future Wills or Codicils, which are in conformity with the terms of this agreement. Initials if Selected:

OR

The parties shall not change their existing Will, if any, or make a new Will at this time, but any new Will executed shall be in conformance with the provisions of this agreement. Initials if Selected:

(4) The fact that either party (without being obligated to do so) may give, devise or bequeath to the other party property or an interest therein, or otherwise confer rights or powers on the other party, in trust or by gift or will, shall not be construed as a waiver of any provision hereof or as evidence that there is or was an agreement or understanding between the parties other than as specifically expressed herein.

(5) Each party agrees, on behalf of himself or herself and of his or her heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, that he, she or they, at the request of the other party or the latter's heirs, executors, administrators and assigns (but at the cost of the other party or his or her heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns), will make, do, execute, acknowledge and deliver any and all such further or other acts, deeds and instruments as shall be appropriate, necessary or desirable to carry in effect the intent, purpose and provisions of this agreement without question or delay, except that neither party shall be obliged to sign any mortgage, note, bond or other instrument which may subject him or her, or his or her estate and property, to personal liability.

(6) In selling, assigning, granting, releasing, conveying or otherwise dealing with the property of either party, the party whose property is being so dealt with shall be and hereby is constituted the other party's attorney-in-fact and as such shall have full power in the name of such other party or in the joint names of both parties to join in the contemplated transaction and execute documents to effect it on behalf of such other party, independently and without the consent or privity of such other party, to the same extent and as fully as if their marriage had not taken place.

(7) During the course of the marriage, all property acquired by each party in their own name shall be deemed to be part of their separate estate and by the terms hereof, each party hereby waives and relinquishes all claim to the separate estate of the other. Likewise, all property acquired during the marriage in the joint name of both parties shall be deemed to be part of their joint estates and thereby evidence their intent to grant the powers and rights to the parties as to said jointly owned property as is provided to spouses by operation of law.

(8) The parties agree that each party shall provide for the payment of their individual health care, convalescence and funeral expenses out of their separate estate so as not to be a financial burden on each other.

(9) 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, which they may hereafter acquire.

(10) 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. In the event of divorce, the parties agree this agreement shall be binding on both parties and shall be incorporated into any divorce decree.

(11) Not applicable or The parties further agree that in the event of 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: [none or list property]

(b) The Husband shall be entitled to receive property of Wife described as follows: [none or list property]

(c) The following property shall be sold and the proceeds, less expenses divided equally between the parties: [none or list property]

(d) The Husband shall pay a lump sum settlement to Wife described as follows:

(e) The Wife shall pay a lump sum settlement to Husband described as follows:

(f) 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.]

(g) Both parties waive the right to alimony and property settlement, except as otherwise provided herein.

(12) 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. The invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability of any particular provision of this Agreement shall not affect the other provisions, and this Agreement shall be construed in all respects as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had been omitted.

(13) 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.

(14) No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed, or shall constitute, a waiver of any other provision, whether or not similar, nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver. No waiver shall be binding unless executed in writing by the party making the waiver.

(15) This Agreement may be executed in any number of copies, each of which shall be deemed an original and no other copy need be produced. All pronouns and any variations thereof shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine, neuter, singular or plural as the identity of the person or persons may require.

(16) This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto and upon their respective executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors, and assigns.

(17) This agreement may only be amended or revoked by written amendment signed by both parties.

(18) Each party further agrees and affirms as follows:

(a) That the party did execute the agreement voluntarily; and

(b) That this agreement is not unconscionable when it was executed; and

(c) Both parties were provided prior to execution of this agreement a fair and reasonable disclosure of the property or financial obligations of the other party;

(d) That he and she did have, or reasonably could not have had, an adequate knowledge of the property or financial obligations of the other party.

The parties hereby execute this agreement in several counterparts, any executed copy of which shall be considered for all purposes as an original, on the day and year above written.

FIRST PARTY ("WIFE")

SECOND PARTY ("HUSBAND")

Approved:

Attorney for First Party:

Attorney for Second Party:

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

State of

County of

The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this

(Signature of Person Taking Acknowledgment)

(Title or Rank)

(Serial Number, if any)

Commission Expires:

State of

County of

The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this

(Signature of Person Taking Acknowledgment)

(Title or Rank)

(Serial Number, if any)

Commission Expires:

PERSONAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

To: Date:

Individual Information

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip

Occupation:

Phone:

Current Assets

Cash on Hand or in Banks

Other Cash:

Real Estate (other than residence Schedule A)

Residence

Motor Vehicles (Schedule B)

US Government Securities (Schedule C)

Non-Marketable Securities (Schedule D)

Stocks (Schedule E)

Other Personal Property

Life Insurance Cash Value

Business IRA

Notes Receivable

Other Assets:

Personal IRA

Antiques

Partnership Assets

Total Assets

Individual Income Information (Annual)

Salary

Bonus

Commissions

Dividends

Rental Income

Other Income (List):

Total Income

Contingent Liabilities

Guarantor, Co-maker

Lease or Contracts

Legal Claims

Other:

Current Liabilities

Notes Payable (Secured)(Schedule F)

Notes Payable (Unsecured)(Schedule G)

Real Estate Mortgages Payable (Schedule H)

Auto Loans (Schedule I)

Unpaid Taxes and Interest

Due to Brokers

Open Accounts

Credit Cards (List):

Visa

Other:

Residential Mortgage

Total Liabilities

TOTAL OF ALL ASSETS

LESS TOTAL OF ALL LIABILITIES

NET WORTH

SCHEDULE “A” REAL ESTATE

Description of Real Estate Cost Market Value Date Acquired

SCHEDULE “B” MOTOR VEHICLES

Description of Motor Vehicles Cost Value

SCHEDULE “C” U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES

Description of Stock or Bond Date Acquired Par Value Market Value

SCHEDULE “D” NON MARKETABLE SECURITIES

Description Date Acquired Par Value Market Value

SCHEDULE “E” STOCKS

Company Shares Date Acquired Par Value Market Value

SCHEDULE “F” NOTES PAYABLE SECURED

Description Date Balance Payment (m/yr)

SCHEDULE “G” NOTES PAYABLE UNSECURED

Description Date Balance Payment (m/yr)

SCHEDULE “H” REAL ESTATE MORTGAGES

Description Date Balance Payment (m/yr)

SCHEDULE “I” AUTO LOANS

Description Date Balance Payment (m/yr)

CERTIFICATION TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT

I certify this Statement to be true and correct as of the date indicated; that this financial statement is a full and fair disclosure of my assets; and that I provided a true and correct copy of this financial statement to on .

Signature

Date:

I acknowledge receipt of this financial statement and disclosure.

Signature

Date:

Enter text✕

What a South Carolina Premarital Agreement Is

A South Carolina Premarital Agreement, commonly called a prenuptial agreement, is a written contract signed by two people before marriage that sets out ownership of assets, allocation of debts, spousal support expectations, and other financial arrangements. It identifies separate versus marital property, prescribes division rules if the marriage ends, and can include dispute resolution terms. The agreement is strongest when accompanied by full financial disclosure and executed with proper formalities such as notarization and, where applicable, witness acknowledgment under state rules.

Why a Premarital Agreement Matters in South Carolina

A premarital agreement provides clarity over financial rights, reduces litigation risk, and preserves separate property and estate plans. By specifying property division and spousal support in advance, parties limit uncertainty and often reduce cost and delay if the marriage ends. Proper drafting and formalities increase the chance a court will enforce agreed terms.

Why a Premarital Agreement Matters in South Carolina

Who Commonly Uses a South Carolina Premarital Agreement

Typical users include engaged couples with significant assets, business owners, and individuals entering second marriages who want clear financial terms before marriage.

  • High-net-worth individuals protecting separate property, business equity, and future inheritance rights from marital claims.
  • Couples with premarital debts who need explicit responsibility and repayment provisions to avoid shared liability.
  • Partners coordinating estate plans, beneficiary arrangements, or succession of family businesses with predictable contractual rules.

Tailor the agreement to your situation; independent attorney review for both parties strengthens enforceability and reduces the risk of later disputes.

Step-by-Step: Completing a South Carolina Premarital Agreement

Follow these sequential steps to complete a South Carolina Premarital Agreement accurately, with attention to disclosure, signatures, and notarization.

  • 01
    Gather Information: Collect full asset, debt, and income disclosures from both parties.
  • 02
    Draft Agreement: Use precise clauses for property classification, support, and division.
  • 03
    Legal Review: Each party should consult independent counsel before signing.
  • 04
    Sign and Notarize: Sign in presence of notary and any required witnesses per state.

Core Sections to Include in the Agreement

A comprehensive document includes identification, property classification, disclosure schedules, support provisions, dispute resolution, and execution formalities to improve enforceability.

Recitals

State the parties' intent and background facts concisely to show voluntary execution and factual context for later enforcement.

Identification

Identify each party with full legal name, current residence, birth date, and marital history to avoid ambiguity about signatories.

Separate Property

Describe property owned before marriage, including titles and account identifiers, and specify how it will remain separate during the marriage.

Marital Property

Set rules for classification and division of property acquired during marriage, addressing commingling and appreciation of separate assets.

Support Waiver

State any spousal support waiver or limitation, define conditions and temporal limits, and ensure terms comply with state public policy.

Execution

Include signature blocks, notary acknowledgment, witness lines where applicable, and attorney acknowledgement pages confirming independent review and disclosure.

Essential Information and Formalities to Provide

Full Names: Exact legal names as on ID
Dates: MM/DD/YYYY format required
Asset Details: Type, identifier, and current value
Signatures: All parties must sign and date
Notary: Notary acknowledgment often required
Attorney Review: Independent counsel review recommended

Common Preparation Errors to Avoid

  • Incomplete financial disclosure; failing to list assets or debts may render the agreement voidable or subject to attack in court.
  • Using vague language for property classification or support terms can create interpretive disputes and increase litigation costs.
  • Signing without independent legal advice for both parties risks a court finding coercion or unfairness and invalidating key provisions.
  • Omitting required notarization or witness signatures under state rules can allow a later challenge to the agreement's formal validity.

Short Summary of Risks and Consequences

Enforceability Risk: Voidable if inadequate disclosure
Tax Consequences: Improper reporting risks penalties
Unconscionable Terms: Courts may refuse unconscionable clauses
Missing Formalities: Lack of notarization invites challenge
Future Claims: Postnuptial disputes may arise
No Counsel: Absence of independent advice weakens defense

eSignature Vendor Pricing at a Glance

Compare common plan criteria for eSignature providers used to execute agreements; signNow appears first per vendor comparison standards.

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Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Digital Signing and File Compatibility

Use an eSignature platform that supports common formats and integrates with your existing systems to simplify execution and storage.

  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX, HTML, Excel supported
  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace
  • Security: TLS 1.2/1.3 and AES-256 encryption

How to Configure an Online Signing Workflow

Set up fields, signer order, and authentication before sending to ensure a clear and auditable execution process.

Field Configuration
Template Fields Pre-place signature, initial, and date fields
Signer Order Define signing sequence or allow simultaneous signing
Authentication Use email links, SMS codes, or stronger methods
Notifications Enable reminders and completion receipts

Where to Send and How to Route the Agreement

A typical routing pattern ensures all parties receive the final signed copy and supporting acknowledgements are captured.

  • Send to Parties: Distribute the draft to both parties for review and suggested edits.
  • Obtain Independent Review: Each party consults counsel and confirms understanding prior to signing.
  • Notarize: Complete any required notarization or witness steps in person or per state RON rules.
  • Deliver Final Copies: Provide signed originals or certified electronic copies to both parties and counsel.

Saving and Exporting the Final Agreement

Preserve signed records in durable formats and ensure the platform produces an accessible audit trail for future reference.

PDF/A Export

Export a PDF/A archival copy that embeds the signature appearance and preserves the document for long-term storage and admissibility.

DOCX Backup

Save an editable DOCX version for internal recordkeeping while maintaining the signed PDF as the authoritative record.

Audit Trail

Retain a certificate of completion with timestamps, IP addresses, and signer actions to support attribution in disputes or court.

Encrypted Storage

Store signed copies in encrypted repositories to limit unauthorized access and maintain chain-of-custody documentation.

Notarization and Witness Steps to Follow

Complete authentication and witnessing in the correct order to satisfy state formalities and reduce the risk of later challenges.

01

Prepare Documents

Attach schedules and verification pages before any signatures occur.

02

Disclosure Review

Ensure both parties receive and acknowledge full financial disclosure.

03

Sign Together

Parties often sign contemporaneously to show mutual assent.

04

Notary Acknowledgment

Have a notary complete the required acknowledgment or jurat per state rules.

05

Witness Signatures

Add witness signatures where state law or the agreement requires them.

06

Record Optional

Recording is rarely required but may be done for public notice in some jurisdictions.

07

Distribute Copies

Provide fully signed copies to both parties and counsel immediately.

08

Periodic Review

Review terms after major life events; consider amendments in writing.

Who Signs and Who Should Be Involved

Signing Parties

Both prospective spouses must sign the agreement voluntarily. Courts consider presence of legal counsel, clarity of disclosure, and absence of coercion when assessing enforceability; include signature blocks and dates for each party.

Advising Professionals

Independent attorneys for each party strengthen the agreement's defense. Financial advisers and accountants may prepare schedules and valuations that support full disclosure and reduce the chance of later successful challenges.

How to Amend or Update an Agreement After Execution

Use a formal written amendment signed by both parties; follow the same formalities as the original agreement to preserve enforceability.

01

Draft Amendment:

Prepare clear modified provisions in writing
02

Mutual Consent:

Both parties must expressly agree in writing
03

Legal Review:

Have counsel review for unintended consequences
04

Sign and Notarize:

Execute with the same notarization formalities
05

Attach Schedules:

Update asset schedules if valuations change
06

Distribute Copies:

Provide the amended executed copy to all parties

Examples of How Agreements Are Used in Practice

These two short scenarios illustrate common uses and outcomes when premarital agreements are properly drafted and executed.

Family Case

A couple entering a second marriage used a detailed agreement to allocate retirement assets and inheritance rights.

  • Avoided probate disputes.
  • By attaching schedules and obtaining independent counsel, the parties reduced litigation risk and preserved family inheritances without court intervention, saving time and legal costs.

Business Owner

A business owner preserved separate business equity and operating control through specific clauses and valuation rules.

  • Protected company interest.
  • The agreement spelled out buyout terms and valuation methods, helping prevent business disruption and ensuring continuity if the marriage ended.

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Follow these best practices to minimize later disputes and ensure the agreement meets typical enforceability standards.

Full Disclosure
Provide complete schedules of assets, debts, and income and keep supporting documentation to demonstrate transparency.
Independent Counsel
Encourage each party to obtain separate legal advice to reduce claims of coercion or unfair bargaining.
Clear Language
Use precise, unambiguous wording for property classification, support terms, and valuation methods to avoid interpretive disputes.
Formal Execution
Sign with notarization and any required witness acknowledgements, and distribute certified or electronic copies to all parties and advisors.

FAQs About South Carolina Premarital Agreements

Answers to common questions address enforceability, execution, and practical concerns when preparing or signing a premarital agreement in South Carolina.


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