One way to support a long term successful relationship is to handle the business side of your marriage in a written agreement either before you marry (pre-nuptial agreement) or following your marriage (post-nuptial agreement) to agree to terms that would apply if your marriage were to end.
Having a pre or post nuptial agreement can assist in having what might be a complex divorce go smoothly but it also sets up clarity in the relationship and assists in developing the foundation for a solid long term marriage. It is a structure that requires you to address a number of issues that should be addressed before or during your marriage. Often couples that have been married before and have separate property or children from a previous marriage find marital agreements very helpful in resolving financial issues between them.
Here are a few of the things that you can choose to put in your Pre or Post-Nuptial Agreement:
- Address what property will remain separate and what will become marital
- Define responsibility for pre-existing and marital debts and other financial obligations.
- You can include an indemnity clause to protect the non-debtor party.
- You can predetermine the division of marital property on divorce.
- You can predetermine the allocation of responsibility for debt at the conclusion of a divorce proceeding
- You can make decisions regarding Maintenance.
- You can adjust the rights of the parties upon death of either spouse including the elective share under Colorado Statute or the relinquishment of marital rights at death.
- Agreements with respect to retirement accounts
- Agreements with respect to tax returns
- Agreements with respect to life insurance policies
- Agreements with respect to Attorneys Fees
- Agreements with respect to Confidentiality
Pre or Post-Nuptial Agreements are enforceable under Colorado law. To assure validity, the following need to be assured:
- The parties enter into the agreement voluntarily and without duress or undue influence
- The parties are each represented by independent legal counsel.
- Each party is provided an adequate and reasonable disclosure of the assets and obligations of the other party and each party recognizes that the values given are estimates.
- Each party waives any further financial disclosure of the other party; and
- Each party has been advised with regard to the legal effects of the agreement, including the rights that are being released by entering into the agreement (if any).
Your marital agreement must be in writing and be signed by both parties prior to filing an action for dissolution of marriage. The agreement is effective upon marriage or upon signature if the parties are already married.
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Meet the Team
These are the people behind the success of Lewis & Matthews, P.C.
Jennifer Lewis – After getting her license to practice law in 1988, managing partner Jennifer Lewis has helped clients in areas of family law, criminal law, estate planning and probate proceedings, personal injury and medical malpractice claims, zoning and land use planning, and general civil litigation.
Today, her practice focuses on family law. However, her extensive experience has allowed her to provide added assistance and unique insights to her clients.
Ms. Lewis understands that a practical, patient, and compassionate approach helps clients navigate the often difficult and sensitive situations in family law matters.
Ms. Lewis acquired the firm in 2015, after Ken and Leslie Matthews decided to move on to an ‘of counsel’ status.
Amanda Huber – As a legal assistant, Amanda helps with the daily tasks of sending legal correspondence and documents, preparing court filings, and scheduling, among other tasks. Amanda joined the firm in 2022 and has helped clients in all phases of their divorce.
Prior to joining Lewis & Matthews, Amanda worked at an upscale country club in San Diego, where she was born and raised.
Outside of work you can find Amanda wine tasting, gardening, and spending time with her beloved cat, Waffles.
Jackie Flanagan – After spending some time working for a company in the educational sector, office manager Jackie Flanagan joined the team more than five years ago. Since then, she has been making sure that the day-to-day running of the firm is taken care of.
Counties We Serve
When you need help with drafting, understanding, and scrutinizing prenuptial and postnuptial agreements in the following counties, we can help:
Greater Denver Metro Area
Address: 1325 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 503, Denver, CO 80222
(303) 329-3802
Summit County and Eagle County
Address: 114 Village Place, Suite 206, Dillon, CO 80435
Phone Number: (970) 468-0240
