Pinellas Park Firm Helping Families With Prenups And Postnups
Last updated on May 18, 2026
Marriage brings joy, commitment and important legal considerations. Since 2009, The Bardine Law Firm has been helping Pinellas Park couples create clear agreements that protect both partners’ interests while strengthening their foundation for the future.
Why Consider A Prenuptial Or Postnuptial Agreement?
Many couples find that discussing finances and expectations before or during marriage strengthens their relationship. These agreements offer practical benefits that many couples find valuable:
- Property rights: Clear understanding of who owns what before marriage
- Asset protection: Safeguard investments, businesses or inheritances you brought into the relationship
- Conflict reduction: Minimize disputes if your marriage ends unexpectedly
- Peace of mind: Both partners know where they stand legally
Planning ahead doesn’t mean you expect problems. It means you’re being responsible about your shared future.
What These Agreements Can And Cannot Cover
Understanding these boundaries helps you set realistic expectations for your agreement. Florida law allows you to address certain issues while restricting others:
- Property division: How assets get divided if divorce occurs
- Alimony matters: Whether spousal support applies and under what conditions
However, you generally cannot predetermine:
- Child time-sharing: Courts decide custody based on the child’s best interests at that time
- Child support: Florida requires support calculations based on current circumstances
These restrictions protect children’s welfare and ensure courts can adapt to changing family circumstances.
Understanding Marital Accrual Issues
Assets you own before marriage typically remain yours, but growth during marriage can become complicated. For example, if your business increases in value after you marry, that appreciation might become marital property. Clear, precise drafting helps protect your family’s goals and prevents future confusion.
Our Approach To Your Agreement
If you think that one of these agreements fits your situation, we can help you. We craft enforceable, fair agreements that suit your goals and circumstances. Every couple’s needs differ, and we tailor our approach accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some insights into three common prenuptial and postnuptial agreement questions in Florida.
What is the difference between a prenuptial and a postnuptial agreement?
The major difference between the two legally binding agreements is that a couple creates a “prenup” before their marriage, while they create a “postnup” at any point during their marriage. These contracts help couples set clear financial expectations and boundaries that can outline how they want their assets and debts to be divided if they potentially divorce or become a widower.
Can a prenuptial agreement protect my family business or inheritance?
Yes, it can. If you file for divorce, your prenup can override Florida’s equitable distribution laws for property division. As long as your document is fair and meets the state’s legal requirements, the court will honor the agreed terms of your prenup, which can include clauses about your respective inheritances and nonmarital assets.
For example, you established a business back when you were single. When you wrote your prenup, you designated your business as “separate property.” This means that your business will remain yours to keep after the divorce.
Can I contest my prenuptial agreement in court?
Yes, under certain conditions. To contest your prenup in Florida, you and your attorney must prove that your spouse or their family members forced you to sign the prenup, present evidence of undue influence or fraud during its creation, or argue that your spouse failed to fully disclose their financial information.
Start Your Conversation With A Family Law Attorney Today
If you want to draft an agreement that makes sense for your relationship, reach out to us. Contact our office today at 727-605-7078 to explore your options. Our lawyer, Mr. Johnny J. Bardine, serves clients in Pinellas Park and across Florida.