Insight

Estate Planning Through Premarital Agreements

Planning for the end of a marriage before the marriage vows are exchanged can be disconcerting.

Estates & Premarital Agreements
Gregory T. Peacock

Gregory T. Peacock

January 17, 2017 12:00 AM

Planning for the end of a marriage before the marriage vows are exchanged can be disconcerting. However, with divorce rates topping 50% nationwide, the failure to engage in such planning by executing a premarital agreement may have disastrous consequences. A premarital agreement is especially critical where one or both parties have children from a prior marriage, one or both parties are bringing significant assets into the marriage (or will receive them by inheritance), or one or both parties have closely-held business interests (or will receive them by inheritance). Premarital agreements should deal with the consequences of the marriage's ending either by death of a spouse or by separation and divorce.

Rights Accruing by Reason of Death of a Spouse

In the absence of a contrary agreement, a surviving spouse has certain rights with regard to a deceased spouse's estate. As an initial matter, if a person dies intestate (without a Will), the surviving spouse has the primary right to serve as administrator of the deceased spouse's estate. This point is not of critical importance, however, since you can resolve this issue simply by preparing a valid Will and naming whomever you like as your executor.

More importantly, in the absence of a valid premarital agreement, a surviving spouse is entitled to receive a minimum share of a deceased spouse's estate. The size of minimum share differs depending upon whether the deceased spouse has surviving children. For example, if you married without a premarital agreement and died thereafter without having children, your wife would be entitled to a minimum of one-half of your estate. If you died leaving two or more surviving children, her share would be reduced to one-third of the estate.

A premarital agreement may modify these property rights in any way desired, including a complete waiver of the right to share in one another's estates. Such a complete waiver would not prohibit either of you from making provision for the other in your Will, but would simply mean that you would have the right to choose how much is left to your spouse and in what manner. Alternatively, instead of a complete waiver, you could provide for some lesser minimum share of the estate or you could specify that the minimum share could be satisfied with a gift in trust, rather than an outright transfer (which would enable you to control the ultimate disposition of the trust assets after the spouse's death). Including such provision in a premarital agreement ensures that your assets pass to your children and grandchildren and that family real estate and business assets remain in the family.

Rights Accruing by Reason of Separation and Divorce

There are three issues that arise in connection with a separation or divorce that may be addressed by a premarital agreement.

First is the issue of post-separation support and alimony. Post-separation support provides a dependent spouse with financial assistance during the period of litigation. Alimony provides the dependent spouse with longer-term financial assistance and may be awarded for a fixed period of time or until the recipient remarries, engages in cohabitation, or dies. In North Carolina, the Court examines a number of factors to determine whether alimony is appropriate in a particular situation and, if appropriate, the amount and duration of the payments. Frequently, a premarital agreement includes a complete waiver of the right to claim alimony or any other type of support payment, although such rights could also be modified rather than completely waived.

Second is the issue of claims by one spouse against a third party for interference with the marriage contract. For example, if one spouse has an affair which leads to the dissolution of the marriage, the other spouse may have a claim against the third party involved in the affair for damages relating to the "alienation of affections." For many years, it was considered highly unlikely that any such claim would be successful, but in recent years there have been some highly publicized successful claims. The premarital agreement could include a waiver by each party of the right to bring a claim for alienation of affections against a third party. While it may be unlikely that any such claim would be successful, the threat of such a claim is often used as a bargaining tool in separation and divorce negotiations.

The third and most important issue addressed by premarital agreements in connection with separation or divorce is the division of property.

In general terms, the North Carolina Equitable Distribution Act defines assets as being either "separate property" or "marital property." Separate property is not subject to division, while marital property must be equitably divided (under the statute, "equitably divided" generally means "equally divided") between the two spouses.

Determining what assets are "separate property" and what assets are "marital property" is not a simple matter of determining the legal title to the property. Marital property can include property which is titled in the name of only one spouse if the property was acquired during the course of the marriage. Furthermore, a particular asset may have both a separate property component and a marital property component. For example, your ownership interest in a business would generally be considered separate property if you owned it prior to marriage. However, any increase in the value of that asset during the course of the marriage may be considered marital property because it occurred by virtue of your efforts on behalf of the dealership during the time you were married.

One of the most important aspects of a premarital agreement is defining these terms "separate property" and "marital property" in a way that reflects the parties' intent and is reasonably capable of application without requiring additional litigation. One option is to define the status of property by tracing the source of the funds used to acquire the property. For example, if your separate funds were used to acquire a particular asset (e.g., a vacation residence), that asset would be considered your separate property regardless of the actual title of the property. While this tracing procedure is likely to result in the most accurate and equitable division of assets, it is, as you can imagine, often difficult to apply and can itself lead to extensive litigation. Accordingly, some clients prefer to adopt a "bright line" test which, although less accurate, is easier to apply. For example, the premarital agreement might specify that the division is determined solely by the title to the property, such that any property held in individual names is separate property, regardless of the source of funds, and any property held in joint names is automatically marital property. While easy to apply, this type of test requires tremendous vigilance and care in the titling of assets during the course of the marriage.

Conclusion

Naturally, it may be awkward to raise these issues with one's prospective spouse or one's child who is contemplating marriage. However, if separation or divorce occurs without a premarital agreement, your family assets are put at risk, your financial lifestyle may be jeopardized, and the time and expense of the legal proceedings will increase substantially. In contrast, the negotiation of a premarital agreement affords the parties an opportunity to address these issues in a non-confrontational setting. Accordingly, the execution of a well-drafted premarital agreement is a critical component of a comprehensive estate plan.

Related Articles

The Benefits of Charitable Giving in New York Estate Planning


by Best Lawyers

In this article, Best Lawyers breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of factoring in charitable donations when estate planning in New York state.

Animated hand giving a gift with bow on top

Same-Sex Couples and Marriage Visas: Everything You Need To Know


by Elizabeth Hagearty

All marriages are considered equal under U.S. law. Here’s what that means for LGBTQIA+ immigrants.

Pride flag, finger and visa document

What If Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Had a Premarital Agreement?


by John M. Goralka

Oh, the gritty details we’re learning from the latest court battle between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. This unfortunate airing of dirty laundry may have been avoided with a prenup. Should you think about getting one yourself?

What If Johnny Depp & Amber Heard Had Prenup?

The New PPE


by Jennifer Stavros

How to plan your pandemic preparedness estate—all from the safety of home.

Planning Your Digital Estate Plan

Protecting Your Legacy With Estate Planning


by Tripp Wiles

You're careful with your finances; do you still need asset protection?

Protecting Your Legacy With Estate Planning

Is It Time for You to Have the Long-Term Care Planning Talk With Your Parents?


by Anthony J. Enea

How should you talk to your parents about long-term care options? Estate planning can make for a difficult conversation, but wills and trusts are necessary documents for anyone growing older.

Estate Planning for Parents Guide

Most Americans Lack a Power of Attorney for Assets


by George M. Riter

Only 25 percent of American households have estate planning documents in place. A Power of Attorney for Assets will secure your financial affairs should you be unable to do so yourself.

Power of Attorney for Assets Documents

Trending Articles

Announcing the 2023 The Best Lawyers in America Honorees


by Best Lawyers

Only the top 5.3% of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

Gold strings and dots connecting to form US map

Announcing the 2022 Best Lawyers® in the United States


by Best Lawyers

The results include an elite field of top lawyers listed in the 28th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and in the 2nd Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2022.

2022 Best Lawyers Listings for United States

2021 Best Lawyers: The Global Issue


by Best Lawyers

The 2021 Global Issue features top legal talent from the most recent editions of Best Lawyers and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch worldwide.

2021 Best Lawyers: The Global Issue

The U.S. Best Lawyers Voting Season Is Open


by Best Lawyers

The voting season for the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and the 5th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America is officially underway, and we are offering some helpful advice to this year’s voters.

Golden figures of people standing on blue surface connected by white lines

How To Find A Pro Bono Lawyer


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers dives into the vital role pro bono lawyers play in ensuring access to justice for all and the transformative impact they have on communities.

Hands joined around a table with phone, paper, pen and glasses

What the Courts Say About Recording in the Classroom


by Christina Henagen Peer and Peter Zawadski

Students and parents are increasingly asking to use audio devices to record what's being said in the classroom. But is it legal? A recent ruling offer gives the answer to a question confusing parents and administrators alike.

Is It Legal for Students to Record Teachers?

How Palworld Is Testing the Limits of Nintendo’s Legal Power


by Gregory Sirico

Many are calling the new game Palworld “Pokémon GO with guns,” noting the games striking similarities. Experts speculate how Nintendo could take legal action.

Animated figures with guns stand on top of creatures

The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2024 Launch


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is excited to announce The Best Lawyers in Australia™ for 2023, including the top lawyers and law firms from Australia.

Australian Parliament beside water at sunset

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2023


by Best Lawyers

The third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ highlights the legal talent of lawyers who have been in practice less than 10 years.

Three arrows made of lines and dots on blue background

Inflation Escalation


by Ashley S. Wagner

Inflation and rising costs are at the forefront of everyone’s mind as we enter 2023. The current volatile market makes it more important than ever to understand the rent escalation clauses in current and future commercial lease agreements.

Suited figure in front of rising market and inflated balloon

A Celebration of Excellence: The Best Lawyers in Canada 2024 Awards


by Best Lawyers

As we embark on the 18th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™, we are excited to highlight excellence and top legal talent across the country.

Abstract image of red and white Canada flag in triangles

8 Different Types of Criminal Defenses in Law


by Best Lawyers

Learn about the different types of criminal defenses available in law, including innocence, self-defense, insanity and more. Protect your rights today.

Silver handcuffs laying on finger printed papers

Wage and Overtime Laws for Truck Drivers


by Greg Mansell

For truck drivers nationwide, underpayment and overtime violations are just the beginning of a long list of problems. Below we explore the wages you are entitled to but may not be receiving.

Truck Driver Wage and Overtime Laws in the US

The Upcycle Conundrum


by Karen Kreider Gaunt

Laudable or litigious? What you need to know about potential copyright and trademark infringement when repurposing products.

Repurposed Products and Copyright Infringemen

Choosing a Title Company: What a Seller Should Expect


by Roy D. Oppenheim

When it comes to choosing a title company, how much power exactly does a seller have?

Choosing the Title Company As Seller

Unwrapping Shrinkflation


by Justin Smulison

Through the lens of the United States, we take a closer look at the global implication of companies downsizing products while maintaining and often raising prices.

Chocolate bar being unwrapped from foil