NAPLES Prenuptial, Postnuptial & Cohabitation Agreements Lawyers

Naples Attorneys

At Long, Murphy & Shemkus, P.A., we encourage all couples to consider entering into a prenuptial agreement prior to marriage, a postnuptial agreement after marriage, or a cohabitation agreement if they are living together. These are practical and positive tools that can provide both parties with more control over the outcome of property distribution, alimony, and other areas, should the marriage or relationship end. These agreements allow parties to better understand what they can expect in the future.

The process of preparing a prenuptial agreement stimulates communication and compromise, which enhances the prospects for a happy marriage. If you are interested in learning more about a prenuptial agreement or postnuptial agreement (executed after a couple is married), consult our experienced Naples attorneys to ensure your rights are protected and that the agreement is legally binding.

Take the Risk out of a Potential Dispute with a Prenuptial/Postnuptial Agreement

An effective prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can substantially minimize future litigation costs because the parties have predetermined the outcome of many of the legal issues that typically arise during divorce. It is important to note that there are areas where prenuptial agreements are not binding: children's issues (including child support), temporary alimony, and temporary attorney's fees.

The state of Florida recognizes prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and will enforce an agreement's terms regardless of fairness, provided the agreement was properly entered into. Florida adopted the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act in 2007, which is designed to create certainty in the enforcement of prenuptial agreements in Florida and throughout the United States.

Cohabitation Agreements in South Florida

Florida does not recognize common law marriage unless it was validly established in another state. Therefore, cohabitation agreements can be extremely useful in the event that two unmarried people living together decide to part ways. Cohabitation agreements, also commonly called companionship agreements, domestic partnership agreements and roommate agreements, are based on contract law rather than family law statutes.

Cohabitation agreements can address legal areas such as:

• Property law
• Real estate law
• Landlord tenant law
• Labor law (one partner may work for the other)

When it comes to cohabitation agreements, prenuptial agreements, and postnuptial agreements, our Naples lawyers are committed to preserving your interests and helping you plan for a more stable future.