Clarity Counts When Crafting Family Law Agreements
Most people think of family law in terms of ending a relationship — divorce, child custody and asset division, for instance. But family law also has an important role to play for couples who are about to get married, have recently gotten married or are cohabiting in a committed relationship. Legal tools utilized early on can provide strong financial and legal protections for both partners in the event that the marriage or relationship does not work out.
I am Linda D. States, a family law attorney with over 20 years of experience. Throughout my legal career, I have helped clients both prevent and resolve complex financial issues related to marriage and divorce. While working for a large firm, I honed these skills by representing some of the wealthiest individuals in Northern California. I now help clients with estates and assets of any size or complexity.
Planning Ahead With Family Law Agreements
At States Family Law, I work to help clients plan for their future and protect their finances through a variety of agreements, including:
To read more extensive information about prenuptial agreements, follow the link above.
Postnuptial Agreements
As the name implies, these agreements are drafted and signed after the marriage has begun. But this is not their only unique feature. Indeed, they require a different set of principles than prenuptial agreements.
In order for a postnuptial agreement to be legally sound, it has to provide full financial disclosure and recognize the fiduciary duty created by the marriage. Moreover, the agreement cannot change each party’s overall net worth and allocation unless there is complete and total financial disclosure.
A contract of any type is only valuable if it is enforceable. I know how to work within the parameters of postnuptial agreement rules to create an agreement that is airtight and can withstand legal scrutiny.
Cohabitation Agreements
Many couples are now choosing cohabitation over marriage. In day-to-day life, there may be few noticeable differences between the two. Both usually involve a long-term relationship, a shared living space and commingled finances.
If and when a married couple gets divorced, they are protected by the divorce laws of California or one of the agreements mentioned above. Unmarried couples have no such protections.
This is why cohabitation agreements are so important. An agreement can clarify the duties and rights of each person in the relationship and set clear expectations. It can also dictate how property and assets should be divided if the relationship ends.
One of the best aspects of a cohabitation agreement is that it is highly customizable. It can be tailored to reflect your unique situation.
Protect Your Future And Your Finances. Call My Firm Today.
With the help of an experienced lawyer, you can look forward to a bright and financially secure future. To get started, call States Family Law in Sacramento at 916-696-2425. You can also contact me via email.