Chicago Prenuptial Agreement Attorney
A prenup isn't about planning for divorce—it's about starting your marriage with clarity, protecting what you've built, and ensuring your spouse's financial security. I draft agreements that stand up in court and preserve relationships.
Who Should Consider a Prenuptial Agreement?
Business Owners
Protect your company from becoming marital property. Without a prenup, your spouse may be entitled to 50% of business growth during marriage—or a seat at the table in business decisions.
Executives & Professionals
Stock options, deferred compensation, partnership interests, and professional practices require careful treatment. I've drafted prenups for physicians, attorneys, investment bankers, and tech executives.
Family Wealth
Inheritance, family trusts, and generational wealth require protection. A prenup can ensure family assets remain separate and satisfy your family's requirements.
Real Estate Owners
Investment properties, rental income, and pre-marital homes need clear delineation. Who pays the mortgage? Who gets appreciation? A prenup answers these questions.
Second Marriages
Blended families need clarity. Protect assets for children from prior relationships while providing for your new spouse. Balance competing obligations fairly.
Significant Debt
Student loans, business debt, or other obligations shouldn't burden your spouse. A prenup can keep pre-marital debt separate and protect both parties.
My Prenup Process
Discovery
Confidential consultation to understand your assets, goals, and concerns. We'll discuss what you want to protect and how to approach the conversation with your fiancé(e).
Disclosure
Full financial disclosure is required for enforceability. I'll prepare comprehensive schedules of assets, liabilities, and income for both parties.
Drafting
I draft a comprehensive agreement addressing property division, maintenance, business interests, and other provisions tailored to your situation.
Execution
After your fiancé(e)'s attorney reviews and negotiates, we execute with proper formalities—well before your wedding date to ensure enforceability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a prenup cost in Chicago?
A straightforward prenup typically costs $2,500-$5,000. Complex prenups involving business interests, trusts, or significant assets range from $7,500-$15,000+. Each party should have independent legal counsel, so budget for two attorneys.
How far in advance should I get a prenup?
Ideally 3-6 months before your wedding. Illinois courts may void prenups signed under duress or without adequate time for review. Last-minute prenups (signed days before the wedding) are more vulnerable to challenge.
What can and cannot be included in an Illinois prenup?
Illinois prenups CAN address: property division, spousal maintenance, debt allocation, business interests, and inheritance rights. They CANNOT include: child custody or support provisions, illegal terms, or provisions encouraging divorce.
Can a prenup be invalidated in Illinois?
Yes. Under the Illinois Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (750 ILCS 10), a prenup can be invalidated if: it wasn't signed voluntarily, there wasn't fair disclosure of assets, or it's unconscionable. This is why proper drafting matters.
How do I bring up a prenup with my fiancé(e)?
Frame it as financial planning, not distrust. Emphasize that it protects both of you and creates clarity. Consider having the conversation before engagement or early in the engagement. I can provide guidance on how to approach this sensitive topic.
Start Your Marriage on Solid Ground
A prenup doesn't mean you're planning for divorce—it means you're mature enough to have honest conversations about money before they become arguments. Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your options.
All consultations are strictly confidential. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.