Marriage is one of life’s biggest commitments, but it also brings together finances, property, and legal rights. For many couples, especially those with significant assets, business interests, or children from prior relationships, a prenuptial agreement offers clarity and peace of mind before the wedding day.
What Is a Prenuptial Agreement?
A prenuptial agreement, often called a “prenup,” is a written contract signed by both spouses before marriage that outlines how certain assets and debts will be handled if the marriage ends in divorce or death. In Tennessee, prenups are legally enforceable as long as they are entered into freely, with full financial disclosure, and without fraud or duress.
Why Couples Choose Prenups
Prenuptial agreements are not just for the wealthy they’re for anyone who wants to protect their financial interests and avoid future disputes. Common reasons for having a prenup include:
- Protecting family-owned businesses or professional practices.
- Preserving inheritance or property acquired before the marriage.
- Defining how marital and separate property will be divided.
- Protecting one spouse from the other’s pre-marriage debts.
- Providing for children from prior relationships.
In many cases, prenups help couples start marriage on a foundation of transparency and mutual understanding.
Tennessee Law on Prenuptial Agreements
Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-3-501, prenuptial agreements are enforceable if they are entered into freely, knowledgeably, and in good faith. Both parties must fully disclose their assets and liabilities, and the agreement must not be unconscionable at the time it is enforced. Courts will closely review prenups to ensure fairness and compliance with state law.
When to Consider a Prenup
While not every couple needs a prenuptial agreement, they can be especially important if:
- One or both spouses have significant assets before marriage.
- Either spouse owns a business or professional practice.
- There is a large disparity in income or wealth.
- Either spouse has children from a prior relationship.
- One or both spouses expect to receive significant inheritance.
How Champagne Law Firm Can Help
At Champagne Law Firm, with offices in Sevierville, Nashville, and Rogersville, we draft and review prenuptial agreements tailored to your unique circumstances. Attorney Kelly Champagne-Deutekom combines her background as a former financial advisor with her legal experience to ensure prenups address not only property and debt, but also complex assets like investments, business interests, and retirement accounts.
We focus on creating agreements that protect your interests while fostering transparency and fairness in your marriage.
Taking the Next Step
If you are planning to marry and want to protect your assets or clarify financial expectations, a prenuptial agreement may be the right choice.
Call Champagne Law Firm at 865-228-8080 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation about prenuptial agreements in Tennessee.
