Media type · A contract on financial arrangements, signed before marriage
Prenuptial agreement
A contract signed before marriage that sets how property and finances are treated.
Key facts
| What it is | A contract on financial arrangements, signed before marriage |
|---|---|
| Who sets the formalities | The law of the country where the agreement is made or enforced |
| Check before paying | Independent advice, disclosure, translation, filing and whether a court will enforce it |
Enforceability is local
An agreement that is valid in one country may not be recognised in another. Couples who marry abroad and later live elsewhere should ask which law will apply and whether the agreement needs to be adapted.
Independent counsel for each side, full disclosure and enough time before the wedding are common safeguards. The exact requirements are legal questions, not budgeting questions.
Frequently asked questions
Does it need to be notarised?
Some jurisdictions require a notary or a court filing; others do not. A local lawyer should confirm the formalities.
Can it cover future earnings?
Sometimes, within limits. What can be agreed varies, and some terms may be unenforceable.