In the absence of an agreement between the spouses, a husband and wife will have specific rights and obligations. Most of these rights can be modified by an agreement entered into before or during the marriage.

Marital agreements established before the marriage are also referred to as premarital, or prenuptial agreements.

Premarital agreements are increasingly popular ways of setting the terms of a marriage. They can resolve issues over premarital assets, premarital debts, how property will be divided, and whether spousal support will be paid in the event of a divorce.

To ensure that a marital or prenuptial agreement has only the provisions that you desire, you need the guidance of an experienced family law attorney. Understanding your rights and law prior to entering into any agreement, whether before or during a marriage, is essential.