Franklin Marital Agreements Lawyer

Marital Agreement Guidance in Franklin Since 1988

Marriage involves more than vows. It merges finances, property, debt, and in many cases, the futures of children from prior relationships. Marital agreements give couples a way to define those arrangements on their own terms, before circumstances force the issue. Whether you’re approaching a wedding or already married and looking to formalize certain understandings, Tennessee law provides several contract-based options.

I’ve represented clients in Williamson County courts since 1988, and I understand how personal these conversations can be. At Julia E. Stovall Attorney At Law, I take the time to understand what matters most to you before we discuss what belongs in any agreement.

Contact our Franklin marital agreements attorney today for a free consultation. Call (615) 239-1374.

Types of Marital Agreements in Tennessee

Tennessee recognizes several forms of contractual marital arrangements, each serving a different purpose depending on where a couple is in their relationship and what they need to address.

Prenuptial Agreements

A prenuptial agreement is signed before the wedding. Couples use prenups to identify separately owned property, define how assets would be divided in a divorce, and address financial rights and obligations going forward. These agreements are especially useful when one or both parties bring significant assets, business interests, or inheritance expectations into the marriage.

Tennessee is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly rather than equally in a divorce. A well-drafted prenup can clarify which assets belong to each spouse before that process ever begins, giving both parties a clearer picture of what equitable actually means for their situation.

Postnuptial Agreements

A postnuptial agreement covers much of the same ground as a prenup but is executed after the marriage has taken place. Couples may enter into a postnuptial agreement to update prior arrangements, address changes in financial circumstances, or formalize understandings that weren’t addressed before the wedding. For a detailed look at what these agreements cover and how they work in Tennessee, see my page on postnuptial agreements in Franklin.

Separation Agreements

A separation agreement is a contract between spouses who have decided to live apart, outlining how they’ll handle property, support, and other responsibilities during that period. These agreements can also form the foundation of a final divorce settlement when the time comes. For more on how separation agreements function and when they’re appropriate, see my page on separation agreements in Williamson County.

What Tennessee Courts Require for a Valid Marital Agreement

Marital agreements are governed by Tennessee law, including specific statutory requirements and general contract principles. Courts will scrutinize these documents, and certain issues can cause a judge to set an agreement aside entirely. The factors I review with clients include:

• Full financial disclosure: Both parties must accurately disclose their assets and liabilities at the time of signing. Incomplete or misleading disclosure is one of the most common grounds for invalidation.
• Independent legal representation: If one party lacked meaningful legal counsel, a court may find the agreement unenforceable. Having your own attorney review the terms matters.
• Absence of coercion: Tennessee courts look carefully for signs that one party was pressured into signing. This concern is heightened in postnuptial agreements, where the dynamics of an existing marriage are already a factor.
• Reasonable fairness: An agreement that is grossly one-sided raises red flags. It doesn’t have to be perfectly equal, but it must reflect a fair exchange given each party’s circumstances.

Modifying or Ending a Marital Agreement

Like any contract, a marital agreement can be renegotiated or ended altogether if both parties agree. It’s worth including a clear process for modification or termination in the original document rather than leaving that question open. I’ll walk you through how to build that flexibility into an agreement from the start.

As a sole practitioner, I work with each client directly. You won’t be passed to a paralegal or handed off to a junior associate. I’ve represented clients in Brentwood, Nolensville, and throughout Williamson County since 1988, and I personally draft or review marital agreements.