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Prenuptial Agreement

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PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT

THIS PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") MADE ON THIS ________ day of ________________, ________

BETWEEN:

_______________________________

- AND -

_______________________________

of _________________________________________

  1. BACKGROUND
  2. This Agreement is made between _______________________________ and _______________________________ (collectively the "Parties" and individually a "Party") who are contemplating marriage each to the other.
  3. The Parties intend for the Agreement to continue to apply when they are married to each other.
  4. The Parties wish to enter into this Agreement to provide for the status, ownership, and division of property between them, including future property owned or to be acquired by either or both of them.
  5. The Parties further wish to affix their respective rights and liabilities that may result from this relationship.
  6. The Parties recognize the possibility of unhappy differences that may arise between them. Accordingly, the Parties desire that the distribution of any property that either or both of them may own will be governed by the terms of this Agreement and, insofar as the statutory or case law permits, intend that any statutes that may apply to them, either by virtue of Federal or Provincial legislation, will not apply to them.
  7. The Parties acknowledge that they have been provided with a reasonable period of time to review this Agreement.
  8. The Parties also acknowledge that they have had the opportunity to retain their own lawyer and to receive independent legal advice regarding the terms of this Agreement.
  9. The Parties have disclosed to their satisfaction all assets and liabilities that each may have and voluntarily and expressly waive any other rights to disclosure of the property or financial obligations of each other beyond the disclosure provided.
  10. Each Party agrees and affirms THAT:
    1. The Parties did execute the Agreement voluntarily;
    2. This Agreement was not unconscionable when it was executed;
    3. Prior to execution of the Agreement, both Parties were provided a fair and reasonable disclosure of the property or financial obligations of the other Party;
    4. They have, or reasonably could have had, an adequate knowledge of the property or financial obligations of the other Party; and
    5. They entered into this Agreement freely and under no duress or undue influence on their decision by the other Party.
  11. The Parties acknowledge that this Agreement will continue upon termination of marriage whether by death, divorce, or otherwise.

NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the upcoming marriage, and in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained in this Agreement, the Parties agree as follows:

  1. PROPERTY
  2. The Parties acknowledge that this Agreement will govern any determination of ownership of property that may occur in the event of the Parties separating, or upon the death of a Party.
  3. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all property will be treated as property owned solely by either one of the Parties (the "Separate Property"), with the property as is listed in the attached Schedules "A1" and "A2" considered Separate Property, except where:
    1. it is Shared Property; or
    2. there is proof of shared legal ownership.
  4. Nothing in this Agreement will prevent or invalidate any gift, or transfer for value, from one Party to the other of present or future property.
  5. Unless a Party can reasonably show that they solely own a piece of property, where either Party commingles jointly owned property with Separate Property, any commingled property will be presumed to be Shared Property.
  6. DEBTS
  7. The Parties acknowledge that this Agreement will govern any determination of responsibility of debts that may occur in the event of the Parties separating, or upon the death of a Party.
  8. All jointly acquired or jointly held debts, however and whenever acquired, will remain the debts of and be owed by both Parties and will be treated as shared debts (the "Shared Debts").
  9. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all debts will be treated as debts owed solely by either one of the Parties (the "Separate Debts"), with the debts listed in the attached Schedules "B1" and "B2" considered Separate Debts, except where:
    1. it is Shared Debt; or
    2. there is proof of shared legal responsibility.
  10. FAMILY PROPERTY RELEASE
  11. The Parties covenant and agree that they are aware of the provisions of the Family Property Act of Alberta, and that it is their intention that the provisions of the Family Property Act, Part I, will not apply to the status, ownership, interest and division of their property, either jointly or separately owned, nor to their future property, whether real or personal, and owned by either one or both of them, and the Parties further covenant and agree that it is their desire and intent by the terms of this Agreement to contract out of the provisions of the Part I of the Family Property Act pursuant to Sections 37 and 38 of the said Act, and to make a full and final settlement of all matters of property, both real and personal, previously and presently owned by either of the Parties or to be acquired by either of the Parties in the future.
  12. DOWER RELEASE
  13. Each Party releases all dower rights under the Dower Act of Alberta, or any other jurisdiction whatsoever, that, but for this Agreement, each Party would have in and to the property in the name of the other, or in their names jointly or as tenants in common.
  14. SUPPORT
  15. The Parties agree that the investment of time or labour with respect to personal service in the property of the other, or otherwise, will be deemed to have been made gratuitously, and without expectation or right of compensation unless agreed to the contrary in writing.
  16. It is the intention of the Parties to forever release each other from any alimony or support obligations now and in the future no matter how their circumstances may change. They will not apply now or in the future under any Federal or Provincial legislation for support. They each waive any rights they may have to proceed against the other under any law or statute for payments of alimony or support and rely upon the law of contract to govern in respect of this issue.
  17. The Parties realize that their respective financial circumstances may be altered in the future by changes in their health, the cost of living, their employment, their marital status, the breakdown of their relationship, or otherwise. No such changes will give either Party the right to seek support under any legislation, Federal or Provincial. It is understood by each Party that this Agreement represents a final disposition of all maintenance and support issues between them.
  18. ESTATES AND TESTAMENTARY DISPOSITION
  19. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Parties acknowledge that each has the absolute right to dispose of their estate by will without leaving any portion to the other, or to the heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns of the other.
  20. Nothing in this Agreement will invalidate or prevent either Party from naming the other as a beneficiary by will or other testamentary disposition.
  21. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Parties waive and release the other from any and all rights of every kind, nature, and description that each may acquire as spouse or surviving spouse in the property, assets, or estate of the other.
  22. SEVERABILITY
  23. Should any portion of this Agreement be held by a court of law to be invalid, unenforceable, or void, such holding will not have the effect of invalidating or voiding the remainder of this Agreement, and the Parties agree that the portion so held to be invalid, unenforceable, or void, will be deemed amended, reduced in scope, or otherwise stricken only to the extent required for purposes of validity and enforcement in the jurisdiction of such holding.
  24. INTENTION OF THE PARTIES
  25. Notwithstanding that the Parties acknowledge and agree that their circumstances at the execution of this Agreement may change for many reasons, including but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the passage of years, it is nonetheless their intention to be bound strictly by the terms of this Agreement at all times.
  26. DUTY OF GOOD FAITH
  27. This Agreement creates a fiduciary relationship between the Parties in which each Party agrees to act with the utmost of good faith and fair dealing toward the other in all aspects of this Agreement.
  28. FURTHER DOCUMENTATION
  29. The Parties agree to provide and execute such further documentation as may be reasonably required to give full force and effect to each term of this Agreement.
  30. TITLE/HEADINGS
  31. The headings of this Agreement form no part of it, and will be deemed to have been inserted for convenience only.
  32. ENUREMENT
  33. This Agreement will be binding upon and will enure to the benefit of the Parties, their respective heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns.
  34. GOVERNING LAW
  35. The laws of the Province of Alberta will govern the interpretation of this Agreement, and the status, ownership, and division of property between the Parties wherever either or both of them may from time to time reside.
  36. TERMINATION OR AMENDMENT
  37. This Agreement may only be terminated or amended by the Parties in writing signed by both of them.
  38. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
  39. The Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties to this Agreement and supersedes all prior communications, contracts, or agreements between these Parties with respect to the subject matter addressed in this Agreement, whether oral or written.
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Last Updated February 1, 2024

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What is a Prenuptial Agreement (Prenup)?

A Prenuptial Agreement, commonly called a prenup, is a domestic contract that spouses create before getting legally married. You cannot create a prenup after getting married.

This document sets out each partner’s financial responsibilities when they separate, divorce, or one dies. It also clarifies what’s shared or separate property

A prenup is crucial when a spouse believes they’ve worked hard to earn wealth before meeting their partner, and they want the division of property to be fair if the relationship ends. 

Customise LawDepot’s Prenuptial Agreement template to write a document that suits your needs. Spend less time with a lawyer and save money by simply bringing your draft to them for review. 

A Prenuptial Agreement is also known as a/an:

  • Premarital Agreement
  • Antenuptial Agreement
  • Marriage Contract

Looking for a Prenuptial Agreement in French?

Use our Contrat de mariage.

Why should I get a prenup?

A prenup initiates an honest conversation about the legal status of marriage and the risk of an unpredictable future. 

Marriage is a commitment that changes a person’s legal rights and responsibilities. It’s useful to document your wishes to avoid any conflict or confusion if the marriage ends. This is especially important if you have:

  • Children from a previous relationship
  • Sizeable personal assets or debts
  • Investments in a business

Without a Prenuptial Agreement (or a Separation Agreement), courts divide marital property according to provincial and federal laws. A prenup helps protect the standard of living each spouse had before entering the relationship.

Live together
but don’t intend to marry?
Use a Cohabitation Agreement instead.

What does a prenup include?

LawDepot’s Prenuptial Agreement template covers the following information:

1. Party details

Include the full names and home addresses of each spouse entering into the agreement. 

2. Separate and shared assets

Each spouse may specify the assets that they’ll retain ownership of in the event of a breakup. Any such asset is known as separate property

Any assets that you list as shared property in your prenup will be divided equally in the event of a breakup (unless the spouses agree otherwise).

In most cases, the spouse with ownership rights keeps their assets if the relationship ends. However, provincial laws may give spouses rights to certain assets (e.g., the matrimonial home) regardless of who’s on the property title. 

For example, say you identify a sports car as a separate asset and the car increases in value during the years you’re married. 

Without a prenup to address this appreciation, a court may rule that your spouse is entitled to half of that value. This may be the case if they contributed during your relationship by paying for replacement parts and maintenance.

3. Separate and joint debt

If one spouse accumulated debt before the relationship, they can claim sole responsibility for repaying this debt in the prenup. 

If you have joint debt, you can specify how much each spouse is responsible for in the event of a breakup. Typically, joint debts are split evenly between partners. However, you can use a prenup to allocate more or less debt to one partner over the other. 

4. Children

If you have them, you must state the names of all your children in your document. This is because children can have rights (such as the right to inheritance) that impact how courts enforce your prenup in the future. 

A prenup cannot include terms regarding child custody, child visitation, or child support for existing or future children. If you separate, a court will decide these issues based on the best interests of the child(ren).

5. Spousal support

Addressing spousal support (also called alimony or spousal maintenance) in your Prenuptial Agreement is optional. If you don’t specify anything, courts will determine payments according to provincial and federal laws. They’ll also consider the varying circumstances at the time of the divorce. 

If needed, take into account the following factors when determining support payments:

  • Which spouse will pay support to the other
  • The specific amount to be paid
  • The frequency of payments (e.g., weekly or monthly)
  • The payment method (e.g., e-transfers)
  • Any conditions on the support payments (e.g., a spouse is entitled to support payments if the marriage lasts for at least five years; support payments may end if there is a change in income)

6. Inheritance rights

Once married, your spouse typically becomes entitled to half of your estate. However, you can use a prenup to limit their inheritance rights.

For instance, you might believe restricting your spouse’s inheritance won’t affect their financial security even if they separate or survive you. Or, you may wish to distribute a certain amount to another party, such as your children, extended family, or a charity. 

In any case, a prenup is a useful estate planning tool because courts typically uphold them—especially if the terms are consistent with the deceased’s Last Will and Testament.

Are prenups legally binding?

While a Prenuptial Agreement isn’t legally binding, the courts are likely to give it considerable weight when it’s drafted fairly and without fraud or duress. 

However, a court may rule that the contract (or a part of it) is void if one party can prove that the agreement is unfair or illegal.

For instance, a Prenuptial Agreement may be void or voidable if:

  • There was a failure to disclose all assets
  • There is evidence of fraud
  • There is evidence of duress (i.e., an action that forces another person to comply with the agreement) or unfairness
  • It was signed involuntarily
  • It includes content that is illegal or against public policy
  • It includes content that is perceived to promote divorce or separation

To avoid arguments over unfairness, duress, or fraud, each party in the Prenuptial Agreement must seek independent legal advice. Getting your contract reviewed by a lawyer helps ensure its enforceability in the future.

Should I notarize my Prenuptial Agreement?

Although you don’t need to notarize your document, each spouse must get a certificate of acknowledgment from their attorney to prove that they sought independent advice.

LawDepot’s Prenuptial Agreement template includes a space for attorneys to certify their role in the document’s execution. This also includes acknowledging any legislative acts that may apply in your jurisdiction. 

Related documents

  • Last Will & Testament: Marriage is a significant life event that impacts the distribution of your estate when you die. Ensure your Last Will and Testament reflects your current situation.
  • Cohabitation Agreement: In a serious relationship but don’t plan on getting married? Use this contract to establish rights and responsibilities that the law typically doesn’t grant to unmarried couples.
  • Separation Agreement: You cannot create a prenup after marriage. Instead, use a Separation Agreement to address the division of property, debts, and other family responsibilities if your marriage dissolves.
  • Postnuptial Agreement: This document serves a similar purpose as a prenup, but you can create it after getting married.
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