At Skarin Law Group, we have built a prenuptial agreement practice on over 15 years of legal, accounting, and real estate advisory experience serving Rancho Palos Verdes.

If you are getting married and want to protect your financial interests, a prenuptial agreement is one of the most effective tools available under California law. These agreements are not about planning for failure. They are about setting clear expectations for how assets, debts, and support will be handled if the marriage ends. Skarin Law Group has drafted and reviewed prenuptial agreements in California for over 15 years. Our Rancho Palos Verdes, CA prenup lawyer represents individuals and couples on both sides of the agreement, and we bring a combination of legal, accounting, and real estate credentials that is unique in the state. Schedule a consultation to discuss your situation.

Prenup Lawyer Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

A prenuptial agreement is a legally binding contract entered into before marriage. It typically defines how property, debts, income, and spousal support will be treated during the marriage and in the event of a divorce. In California, prenuptial agreements are governed by the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act, which sets specific requirements for enforceability.

Not every couple needs a prenup, but for those with significant assets, business interests, real property, or children from a prior relationship, the agreement can prevent costly disputes down the road. A prenup attorney in Rancho Palos Verdes can evaluate your circumstances and advise whether an agreement makes sense for your situation.

Types of Prenuptial Agreement Cases We Handle in Rancho Palos Verdes

Skarin Law Group handles prenuptial agreement matters for clients throughout Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Each agreement is different because every couple’s financial picture is different. Below are the types of prenup cases we handle most frequently.

• Prenuptial agreement drafting. We draft agreements that address asset protection, debt allocation, spousal support provisions, and property classification. Every agreement must comply with California’s enforceability standards.
• Prenuptial agreement review. If your fiancé has presented you with a proposed prenup, we review the terms to identify provisions that may be unfavorable, unenforceable, or incomplete. Having independent counsel review the agreement is not just advisable, it is one of the factors California courts consider when determining enforceability.
• High-net-worth prenuptial agreements. Couples with substantial assets, investment portfolios, or trust interests require prenups that account for complex financial structures. Accurate valuation and full disclosure are critical.
• Business owner prenuptial agreements. If one or both parties own a business, a prenup can define whether the business is separate or community property and establish how appreciation in value will be handled. This is especially important for owners of closely held companies.
• Real property prenuptial agreements. When one or both parties own real estate before the marriage, a prenup can protect those holdings and clarify how mortgage payments, improvements, and equity will be treated.
• Prenuptial agreement enforcement. If a divorce occurs and the validity of a prenup is in question, we represent clients seeking to enforce the agreement in court. Enforcement depends on whether the agreement meets California’s procedural and substantive requirements.
• Prenuptial agreement challenges. We also represent clients who believe a prenuptial agreement should not be enforced, whether due to inadequate disclosure, lack of independent counsel, duress, or unconscionability.
• Postnuptial agreements. Couples who did not sign a prenup before marriage can still establish a postnuptial agreement. These contracts serve a similar purpose and are subject to their own set of legal requirements under California law.

Why Choose Skarin Law Group as My Prenup Lawyer in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA?

The Only Attorney in California With Three Credentials

Matthew Skarin is a Certified Family Law Specialist, a Certified Public Accountant, and a licensed California Real Estate Broker. No other attorney in California holds all three. For prenuptial agreements, that combination matters. Prenups require accurate financial disclosure, and a lawyer who can independently analyze tax returns, business valuations, and real property holdings is better positioned to identify issues that a standard family law attorney might miss.

Before law school, Matthew Skarin worked in tax and compliance at accounting firms including Deloitte & Touche. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from UC Santa Barbara and his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School. He is a Fellow of the AAML (American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers), Southern California Chapter, and has practiced as a family lawyer in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in California for over 15 years.

Recognition and Results

Matthew Skarin has been named a Super Lawyer by LA Magazine from 2020 through 2024 and a Rising Star from 2015 through 2019. He carries an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a 10/10 AVVO rating. Skarin Law Group has also been recognized among Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms by US News from 2020 through 2022. The firm bills hourly with evergreen retainers.

What Is Important to Understand About Prenuptial Agreements?

What Makes a Prenuptial Agreement Enforceable in California

California has specific requirements that must be met for a prenuptial agreement to hold up in court. If any condition is not satisfied, a judge can refuse to enforce part or all of the agreement. The key requirements include:

• The agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties before the marriage.
• Each party must receive full financial disclosure from the other, or must expressly waive disclosure in writing.
• Both parties should have independent legal counsel. If one party does not, the court applies additional scrutiny.
• The agreement cannot be unconscionable at the time it is signed.
• Neither party can have signed under duress, fraud, or undue influence.

Failing to meet even one condition can render an agreement unenforceable during a divorce. Working with a prenup lawyer in Rancho Palos Verdes who understands these requirements reduces the risk of future challenges.

What Are Important Aspects of a Prenuptial Agreement Case?

Several factors determine whether a prenuptial agreement will hold up if tested in court. Paying attention to these during drafting is far more effective than trying to fix problems later.

• Timing matters. A prenup signed days before the wedding is more vulnerable to challenge than one executed months in advance. Courts consider whether both parties had adequate time to review and negotiate.
• Financial disclosure must be thorough. Incomplete or inaccurate disclosure is one of the most common grounds for invalidating a prenup.
• Independent counsel protects both sides. California strongly encourages each party to have their own attorney. When one party does not, courts scrutinize whether the waiver was truly voluntary.
• Certain provisions are not enforceable. Prenuptial agreements cannot limit child support or predetermine child custody arrangements. These issues are decided based on the child’s best interest at the time of the proceeding.
• Common mistakes during drafting, such as vague language or failing to update the agreement after major life changes, can weaken enforceability.

What Is the Prenuptial Agreement Timeline?

Drafting a prenuptial agreement should not be rushed. California courts pay attention to how much time both parties had to review and negotiate. A reasonable timeline demonstrates the agreement was entered into voluntarily.

• Initial consultation: one or both parties meet with an attorney to discuss goals and financial circumstances.
• Financial disclosure: both parties prepare and exchange detailed information covering income, assets, debts, and business interests.
• Drafting and negotiation: the agreement is drafted and shared with the other party’s counsel. Negotiations over specific terms may take several rounds.
• Final review and signing: both parties review the final version with their attorneys and sign well in advance of the wedding.

Most agreements take four to eight weeks to complete, though complex cases involving business interests, trusts, or significant property division considerations may take longer.

What Should You Bring to Your Prenup Consultation?

Being prepared for your first meeting with a Rancho Palos Verdes prenup attorney allows the attorney to provide more specific guidance. Bring the following if available:

• Recent tax returns and income documentation
• Bank account, investment, and retirement account statements
• Real property records, mortgage documents, and property appraisals
• Business ownership records, partnership agreements, or operating agreements
• A list of significant assets and debts, including any inherited or gifted property
• Any prior prenuptial or postnuptial agreements from previous marriages

The consultation is an opportunity to discuss your goals, ask questions about California’s enforceability requirements, and learn about the process and timeline. You should also ask about fees and what to expect from the drafting and negotiation process.

What Are Important California Legal Resources for Prenuptial Agreements?

California provides several public resources that can help you understand the legal framework for prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. These are useful starting points for learning about your rights and obligations.

• The California Courts self-help center provides general information about family law procedures, including resources on spousal support, asset division, and property characterization.
• The California Family Code contains the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act and other statutes relevant to prenuptial agreements. The full text is searchable on the state legislature’s website.
• The California Courts divorce guide explains the dissolution process, which is directly relevant to understanding why a well-drafted prenup matters.
• The LA Superior Court family law division website has information on local procedures, forms, and filing requirements for cases in Los Angeles County.

Reach Out to Skarin Law Group to Schedule a Consultation

If you are considering a prenuptial agreement in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, Skarin Law Group can help you evaluate your options and draft an agreement that reflects your priorities. We bill hourly with evergreen retainers and will discuss our fee structure during the initial meeting. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a prenup attorney who brings over 15 years of California family law experience and a unique combination of legal, financial, and real estate credentials.