Family Lawyers for Columbia, Missouri

Judges in most cases honor and enforce (signed and notarized) prenuptial agreements between two spouses as long as both parties entered it freely and voluntarily and with full knowledge of one another financial circumstances, and the agreement is not "unconscionable." A prenuptial agreement may not be enforced if (1) either party signed it under duress or coercion or undue pressure (or, say, the night before the wedding), (2) the party seeking to enforce it did not truthfully and completely disclose their financial information, or (3) enforcing the prenup would leave one spouse so destitute that they could not meet their most basic living expenses (i.e., would be forced onto welfare). In short, the prenuptial agreement will be enforced if (1) all the procedural requirements were met at the time it was signed and (2) the terms are not unconscionable, taking into account the circumstances existing at the time of divorce.

If she's fully competent, then at 20 years old she is entitled to make her own decisions about who she has relationships with. If you have documents that she needs to engage competent medical care, then, yes; she should have those documents. In theory, if she needed them badly enough, she could sue you for possession of the documents (it's called a replevin lawsuit). Withholding documents about her medical care in order to force her to obey you regarding her relationship choices could cause you legal trouble down the road. Not to mention the cost it will have to your personal relationship with her. You're better off in the long run making sure she gets her needed medical care and being there to support her if and when her relationship sours. Trying to hold her documents over her is not a good idea, either from a legal standpoint or a human standpoint. Good luck and I wish you the best.

A postnuptial agreement outlines how assets and child care responsibilities will be divided in the event of separation or divorce. Disclaimer - This information is provided for general informational purposes only. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

Prenuptial Agreements are private agreements between the parties. They are typically not public, however, if the matter goes to court, they can be made part of the public record.

Texas calls prenuptial agreements "Premarital Agreements". These agreements, just like any other contract, can be challenged in court. A challenge to the agreement does not mean it will be found invalid, however. Surviving a challenge to the premarital agreement is primarily accomplished all the way back to when the agreement is drafted and executed. There are requirements or prohibitions for the agreement terms to be valid, which are too numerous to list here, but can be found in the Texas Family Code, chapter 4. In Texas, no consideration is required, but the Agreement must be in writing, and signed by both parties. It must be free from fraud and duress, and entered into voluntarily. It cannot be unconscionable, and the parties must provide a fair and reasonable disclosure of the property and financial obligations (unless waived). Enforcement of a premarital agreement falls under the Texas Family Code 4.006. Additionally, any provision that would adversely affect the support of children is going to be prohibited. Conservatorship and possession/access (custody and visitation) will always be determined by the Court under the best interest of the children standard, regardless of what may have been put into the agreement. The best way to survive a challenge is to hire a competent attorney to draft the agreement, ensure the agreement complies with the Texas Family Code, provide a fair and reasonable disclosure from both parties, both parties being represented by their own attorney when entering into the agreement, and ensuring the agreement is available for review far in advance of the wedding date.