Updated January 23, 2023
A Rhode Island prenuptial agreement is intended for a couple contemplating marriage to plan for the possibility of divorce and the death of a spouse. The agreement allows the prospective spouses to preserve their premarital assets by separating their financial interests and defining their individual property rights. If the marriage should dissolve, the couple’s assets will be divided according to their preferences and not by a ruling determined in court. In order for the document to be enforced, the couple must adhere to the terms listed in the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act.
Signing Requirements (§ 15-17-2) – Premarital agreements must be signed by both parties; notary acknowledgment is recommended but not legally required.
Laws
- § 15-17-1 – Definitions
- § 15-17-2 – Formalities
- § 15-17-3 – Content
- § 15-17-4 – Effective upon marriage
- § 15-17-5 – Amendment – Revocation
- § 15-17-6 – Enforcement
- § 15-17-7 – Enforcement – Void marriage
- § 15-17-8 – Limitation of actions
- § 15-17-9 – Applicability and construction
- § 15-17-10 – Short title
- § 15-17-11 – Severability