Bringing up a prenuptial agreement might feel uncomfortable, especially if you’re planning a life together. But for many couples, it’s a practical way to reduce uncertainty and protect both parties from financial stress later on. Prenups are not one-size-fits-all, and small missteps in the agreement process could render them ineffective. Michelle Cimino is a prenuptial agreement attorney who helps couples handle this process.
As your trusted legal counsel, she will help draft an effective, binding agreement that reflects your goals and complies with New York law.
What Is a Prenuptial Agreement?
A prenuptial agreement is defined as a written contract between you and your future spouse before you marry. In New York State, the formal prenup definition is found in Section §236(B)(3) of its Domestic Relations Law.
It sets clear expectations for dividing your assets and debts if your marriage ends. An agreement made after you both marry is considered a postnuptial agreement and is subject to a stricter enforceability threshold in New York.
You might think that prenups are only for people with high net worth. But this isn’t actually the case. In reality, they are helpful any time one or both partners want clarity and protection, such as when:
- You own a business or plan to start one.
- You already have significant savings, property, or investments in your name.
- You’re entering a second marriage or are marrying later in life.
- One partner wants to scale back their career and wants to know how they’ll have financial protection.
In New York, a prenuptial agreement must follow strict rules to be enforceable. It generally needs to be:
- In writing
- Signed by both parties
- Acknowledged before a notary
- Entered into voluntarily
- Based on a full and fair disclosure of assets, debts, and income
Because the process and details matter so much, you need a trusted attorney to help you create an agreement that is strong under state law. Michelle Cimino is a seasoned prenuptial agreement attorney ready to support you and your spouse through this process.
How a Prenuptial Agreement Attorney Helps You
When you decide to work with a prenuptial agreement attorney, you’ll go through a clear, structured process where both you and your future spouse feel heard. The goal is to put the agreement in place correctly so it will hold up if challenged.
Consultation: During this period, you and your spouse will talk about your goals. At this point, you should both fully disclose all assets, income, and debts.
Drafting an agreement: Your attorney will produce a legally enforceable written prenup. Prenups are stronger when each partner has independent counsel.
Negotiation and revisions: Both sides review the draft and request changes. This often includes decisions about future earnings, retirement accounts, and how to treat certain debts or assets.
Signing, notarization, and storage: Once you and your partner agree on the final terms, you’ll both sign it. Then it will be notarized and remain in the background while you move forward with your marriage.
A trusted attorney helps you go through this process effectively and fairly, so you and your partner have a binding agreement before your marriage.
Michelle Cimino is a prenuptial agreement attorney with 20+ years of experience producing legally enforceable prenuptial agreements. She will help you and your spouse discuss the goals and requirements of a prenup and produce a final agreement that protects both of you.
Call Michelle Cimino Today
A prenuptial agreement doesn’t have to be a tense conversation. For many couples, it is a responsible step that protects what each person is bringing into the marriage. It is a tool that clarifies expectations as to how you’ll divide assets and debts in the event of a divorce. To produce a binding, enforceable agreement, you and your spouse should follow a transparent series of steps, disclosing critical details and calling on independent legal counsel on both sides to ensure fairness.
Michelle Cimino helps couples approach prenups with mutual respect. She will help you produce a legally sound agreement that achieves your goals, protects both parties, and gives you peace of mind. You’ll be able to confidently move forward in your marriage, knowing that if the time comes to separate down the line, you have the prenup to fall back on.
If you are considering a prenup, schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your options.
