“Reluctant, resistant, and afraid to sign the agreement” is how Dr. Dre’s wife is characterizing the signing of their prenuptial agreement as the couple works out the terms of their divorce. If her account of being “backed into a corner” to sign a prenuptial agreement “just days before their marriage” holds true, it could very well invalidate their prenup – being forced to sign a prenup is one of many strategies to invalidate the legal agreement.
Of course, coercion is not the only issue that may invalidate a prenup. A prenup cannot be flagrantly lopsided where one spouse is awarded everything while the other receives a pittance. The agreements must be entered into voluntarily and it is important for both parties to have their own legal counsel and have witnesses to the signing of the documents. All assets and income must be disclosed – a later discovery of “fudging the numbers” can result in a prenup being thrown out.
Contact an Experienced Illinois Family Law Attorney for an Ironclad Prenup Agreement
Anyone entering into a prenuptial agreement hopes the day will never come when they have to put a premarital agreement to the test in a divorce. It is important to have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement to protect your financial interests in the event of a divorce, but it has to hold up in court. If you are considering a prenuptial or post nuptial agreement to protect separate property or perhaps to look out for your children’s financial interests before a remarriage, it is best to work with an experienced Illinois family law attorney to draft an ironclad prenup agreement. If you have questions regarding Illinois prenuptial agreements, contact the family law offices of Ronald L Bell & Associates for help at 847-495-6000.