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.