Marital Settlement, Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Strategic Financial Agreements for Clarity, Stability & Long-Term Protection

Carefully structured marital settlement agreements can provide clarity, reduce conflict, and protect financial interests. Whether negotiated before marriage, during marriage, or as part of divorce proceedings, these agreements help define property rights, financial obligations, and long-term expectations.

Bean, Kinney & Korman represents individuals throughout Maryland, Virginia, and the Washington, D.C. region in drafting, negotiating, and reviewing marital settlement agreements, prenuptial agreements, and postnuptial agreements. We approach these matters with discretion, financial sophistication, and a focus on enforceability. Our goal is to create clear, legally sound agreements that reflect each client’s priorities and long-term interests.

Marital Settlement Agreements (Divorce Settlements)

Division of property to include non-retirement and retirement assets
Determination of spousal and child support
Allocation of debt
Parenting plans
Business ownership and valuation
Healthcare and life insurance requirements

Thoughtful settlement agreements reduce litigation and provide long-term certainty.

Prenuptial Agreements

Asset and property classification
Protection of pre-marital assets
Business ownership safeguards
Spousal support terms
Debt allocation
Estate planning

Prenuptial agreements promote transparency and financial clarity before marriage.

Postnuptial Agreements

Financial restructuring during marriage
Asset protection after business growth
Planning for inheritance or other estate-related matters
Clarification of financial responsibilities

Postnuptial agreements address evolving financial circumstances.

Attorneys at Bean, Kinney, & Korman provide advice to all types of clients including high-asset couples, business owners, those inheriting generational wealth, and individuals entering into second or subsequent marriages. We also provide advice and counsel to individuals presented with such agreements in order to assist in proper drafting, assurance of validity, and understanding of the consequences in entering into such agreements. Our ability to provide sophisticated financial analysis strengthens understanding of the terms and enforceability of the agreement.

Enforcement & Defense of Agreements

Challenges to validity
Allegations of duress or nondisclosure
Interpretation disputes
Modification and amendment

Why Marital Agreements Matter

Marital agreements can:

Reduce uncertainty in divorce
Protect separate property interests
Clarify financial obligations
Minimize future litigation
Preserve family wealth
Align with estate planning strategies

Early planning often prevents future disputes.

What is the difference between a prenuptial and postnuptial agreement?

A prenuptial agreement is signed before marriage. A postnuptial agreement is signed after marriage. Both define property rights and financial arrangements.

Are prenuptial agreements enforceable?

Yes, if properly drafted and executed with full financial disclosures and other compliance with law.

Can a marital settlement agreement be modified?

Certain provisions, particularly those involving child custody arrangements and support, may be modified based on changes in circumstances. Property division terms are typically final once approved.