Signing Requirements
Laws
- GOB § 3-303 – Contracts in contemplation of marriage
- DRL 236B(3) – Special controlling provisions; prior actions or proceedings; new actions or proceedings
Child Support
Child support, or any payment made to another spouse regarding a child’s best interest, is prohibited from being included in a prenuptial agreement.[2]
“Without question, a provision in an agreement eliminating a party’s child support obligation is void as against public policy.”
Lack of Independent Counsel
It is recommended, but not required, for both parties to obtain independent counsel as part of creating a prenuptial agreement. Although, if a spouse intends to defraud or initiate duress to sign, the agreement could be invalid.[2]
“While lack of independent counsel is a factor to be considered in determining whether the agreement should be set-aside, it is not, without some extrinsic evidence of unconscionability, duress or fraud, sufficient in and of itself to overturn the agreement.”