Postnuptial Agreement Lawyer in Jupiter
Protecting Your Future While Preserving Your Marriage
A well-crafted postnuptial agreement can bring clarity and peace of mind to a marriage, especially when finances or circumstances have changed since your wedding. If you are married and worried about how assets, debts, or support would be handled in the future, you do not have to figure it out alone. As a postnuptial agreement attorney Jupiter residents trust, I help clients turn uncertainty into a clear plan.
My name is Eric C. Cheshire. I have practiced family law in Florida for more than 30 years, representing clients in divorce, child custody, alimony, domestic violence, adoption, paternity, and prenuptial agreements. I draw on that experience to guide married clients through the sensitive process of creating postnuptial agreements that reflect both legal realities and personal priorities.
To schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Eric C. Cheshire, P.A., call our Jupiter postnuptial agreement lawyer at (561) 677-8090.
Why Clients Choose My Practice
When you are considering a postnuptial agreement, you need more than forms. You need guidance from someone who understands both the emotional weight of these decisions and the legal standards that will control them if your agreement is ever tested in court. More than three decades in Florida family law have shown me how important that balance is.
In my practice, I combine compassion with clear, objective advice. Clients often come to me during stressful chapters of their lives. I listen to what is happening in the relationship, what each spouse is worried about, and what they want to protect. Then I give straightforward feedback about what the law allows and what may or may not be realistic.
When a Postnuptial Agreement Makes Sense
Couples consider postnuptial agreements for many reasons. Some are in second or later marriages and want to protect children from prior relationships. Others own a business or professional practice and worry about what would happen to it if the marriage ended. Some have recently received an inheritance, stock options, or other significant assets that were not part of their lives at the time of marriage.
You might also be thinking about a postnup if one spouse has stepped out of the workforce to raise children, if you are close to retirement, or if there has been serious conflict around spending, debt, or financial transparency. In each of these situations, it can feel unsettling not to know what a court might do if you ever divorced.
A postnuptial agreement allows spouses to address those questions now, while they can still talk through issues together. Many of my clients do not view a postnup as a sign they are giving up on the marriage. Instead, they see it as a way to reduce future arguments, protect children, and give both spouses a clearer understanding of what would happen if they ever separated.
When I meet with you, we discuss your specific reasons for considering a postnuptial agreement and the outcomes you would like to avoid. Drawing on many years of working with families, I help you think through how different provisions could affect you, your spouse, and your children over time. My goal is to support your long term stability and to help you make informed decisions, not to push you in any particular direction.
Florida Law & Valid Postnuptial Agreements
Florida law allows married couples to enter into contracts about many financial issues, including property division and spousal support. Courts in Palm Beach County generally review postnuptial agreements closely if they are challenged, so it is important to understand the basic legal considerations before you sign anything.
For a postnup to have a better chance of being enforced, each spouse usually must sign voluntarily, without pressure or coercion. There should also be full and fair disclosure of income, assets, and debts, or a clear acknowledgment that a spouse is knowingly giving up formal disclosure. Judges often look at whether both spouses had enough information and time to make an informed choice.
In addition, the terms should be reasonable when viewed at the time of signing. A court may be hesitant to enforce an agreement that is extremely one sided, especially if there are children involved or if one spouse would be left in a very difficult position. My role is to explain how Florida family law treats these issues so you can weigh the risks and benefits of particular provisions.
Key elements a strong Florida postnuptial agreement usually addresses:
- Identification of each spouse’s current assets, debts, and income.
- Clear definitions of what will be considered marital property versus separate property.
- Agreed methods for dividing assets and debts if the marriage ends.
- Whether either spouse will receive spousal support, and under what conditions.
- Signatures made voluntarily, with enough time for reflection and legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will asking for a postnuptial agreement hurt my marriage?
Raising the idea of a postnup can feel uncomfortable, but many couples find that clear expectations reduce long-term tension. How your spouse reacts depends on your history and communication. I help clients plan respectful conversations and draft proposals that focus on fairness, not punishment.
What can a Florida postnuptial agreement actually cover?
A Florida postnup can address division of assets and debts, treatment of certain separate property, and whether either spouse will receive spousal support. It usually cannot decide child custody or child support in advance. I explain what is appropriate for a written agreement and what courts keep control over.
Does my spouse need their own lawyer for a postnup?
Courts often look more favorably on agreements when each spouse had the opportunity for independent legal advice. Your spouse is not required to hire counsel, but it can help show that the agreement was voluntary and informed. I explain these issues so you understand how they affect enforceability.
How long does it take to create a postnuptial agreement?
The timeline depends on how quickly financial information is gathered and how complex the issues are. Some agreements come together in a few weeks, while others take longer if there are negotiations. During our first meeting, I give you a realistic idea based on your situation.
Can you review a postnuptial agreement I already signed?
Yes. I can review an existing or proposed postnuptial agreement and explain how Florida law might treat it. I look at disclosure, fairness, and clarity of terms. After our discussion, you can decide whether to keep the agreement as is or consider changes.
Talk Confidentially About Your Postnuptial Options
Thinking about a postnuptial agreement can be stressful, but getting clear information often brings relief. In a confidential consultation, I listen to your story, explain how Florida law applies, and help you decide whether moving forward with an agreement makes sense for you and your family.
To schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Eric C. Cheshire, P.A., call our Jupiter postnuptial agreement attorney at (561) 677-8090.
What Our Clients Have to Say
Serving West Palm Beach, FL Since 1990
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"You can too trust him!"I am using Eric for the second time, he saved this child the first time when she needed it the most. I know God’s will placed him in my life and when an incident came up again I didn’t hesitate to call Eric Cheshire. He is a Godly Man that gets at the truth to help in the best way he can with the will of God. I trust him with the most precious gift God gave me, you can too trust him.- Former Client
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"A true gentleman and professional!"As a woman of God, I would never have dreamt I needed Eric and his firm’s services. Fortunately, it was one of my better decisions. For his professionalism and kind heart made me feel that I was not in this alone. He was walking with me during the entire ordeal and I am very blessed to have a Christian man such as himself to guide me and explain everything to me. A true gentleman and professional! Thanks Eric!- Former Client
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"He genuinely cares!"Mr. Cheshire is one of the good guys. He genuinely cares about his clients and what is important to them.- Former Client
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"I am so thankful to have found someone who was so knowledgeable and considerate."As you might imagine this was a difficult time in my life. I am so thankful to have found someone who was so knowledgeable and considerate to help me through my divorce.- Former Client
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"Will hire him again if I ever need an attorney for my legal needs"I’ve used Eric Cheshire, PA over the years for my divorce and he handled it in an understanding but prompt manner. I’ve recommended him to other family and friends and they’ve been elated with his representation also. Will hire him again if I ever need an attorney for my legal needs.- Former Client
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"Great Service!"Great Service! He was kind, understanding and easy to work with.- Former Client
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"Eric fought for our family to be together."Very nice and helpful. Give my husband his legal rights as a father to be able to see his son. Eric fought for our family to be together and he always checked in with us to see how things were going. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer and family man. He loves his family and he loves his clients too.- Former Client
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"Very grateful!"Atty Cheshire reviewed the case carefully with my daughter and communicated with other lawyers in Missouri where she lives. We spoke with him to give other pertinent info and he kept us posted. He spent we suppose several hours on her case which helped prevent some financial pitfalls on her part. My daughter and us parents are very grateful for his foresight and timely advice. We highly recommend Atty Cheshire. (Reviewed from a potential client who consulted with Attorney Cheshire).- Former Client