Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer in Jupiter
Protecting Your Future Without Undermining Your Relationship
Bringing up a prenuptial agreement with someone you love can feel uncomfortable, even risky. You may be trying to protect a business, your children, or savings you have worked hard for, yet you do not want your fiancé to think you expect the marriage to fail. As a prenuptial agreement attorney Jupiter residents turn to for guidance, I help clients navigate these conversations with clarity and respect.
I am Attorney Eric C. Cheshire, a family law attorney based in West Palm Beach. For more than 30 years, I have focused my practice on Florida family law, including divorce, child custody, alimony, paternity, and prenuptial agreements. This experience has shown me how thoughtful planning can reduce conflict later, and how a poorly drafted or rushed agreement can cause serious problems.
To schedule a confidential consultation, call our Jupiter prenuptial agreement lawyer at (561) 677-8090.
Why Consider a Prenuptial Agreement?
Many people in Jupiter are planning second marriages, own successful businesses, or have significant savings and retirement accounts. Some have children from prior relationships or expect an inheritance. In these situations, a prenuptial agreement can create clear expectations about what will remain separate and what will be shared if the marriage ends or a spouse passes away.
Without a prenup, Florida’s equitable distribution laws generally control how marital property and debts are divided in a divorce. Courts often look at factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and earning capacity. A well drafted agreement can change some of those default rules in ways that you and your partner choose together, instead of leaving those decisions entirely to a judge.
A prenuptial agreement can also address the question of spousal support. In some marriages, one spouse earns much more than the other or plans to pause a career to raise children. Discussing support before the wedding can help both partners understand what they can reasonably expect if the marriage does not last. My role is to explain how these decisions typically play out in real divorce cases so you can plan with your eyes open.
For many couples, a prenup actually reduces tension. Once the hard topics are addressed, they can move toward the wedding with more confidence about finances and future obligations. I work to frame the agreement as a shared plan for the future, not a one-sided demand.
Florida Prenuptial Agreement Basics
Florida has adopted a version of the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act, which sets out general rules for these agreements. In practical terms, a prenuptial agreement can address property rights, control of certain assets, responsibility for debts, and whether either spouse may receive spousal support. It can also clarify what will happen to some assets at death, in coordination with an estate plan.
There are, however, limits. Under Florida law, parents generally cannot use a prenup to waive or limit future child support, and courts retain authority to decide time sharing and parental responsibility based on the best interests of the child. I explain which issues can be handled in a prenup and which will remain under the court’s control if you later have children together.
Is a Prenup Right For Your Situation
Not every couple needs a prenuptial agreement, but for some, it is a wise step. If you own a business in Jupiter or elsewhere in Palm Beach County, have significant premarital savings, expect a substantial inheritance, or are entering a second or third marriage, a prenup can provide important structure. It can also protect children from prior relationships by helping ensure that certain assets remain earmarked for them.
If you are considering a prenup, these steps can help you prepare:
- Think through your goals and what you most want to protect before our first meeting.
- Gather basic information about your assets, debts, income, and any existing obligations from a prior divorce.
- Choose a quiet time to talk with your partner, focusing on shared planning and fairness.
- Plan to start the process well before your wedding date, so no one feels rushed or pressured.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will asking for a prenup hurt my relationship?
A prenup conversation can be delicate, but it does not have to harm the relationship. Framing it as mutual protection and clear planning often helps. I can help you understand the issues so you feel more confident explaining why you believe a written agreement is wise for both of you.
Are prenuptial agreements enforceable in Florida?
Florida courts frequently enforce prenuptial agreements that meet legal requirements. Key factors include full financial disclosure, voluntary signing, and reasonable timing before the wedding. I draft and review agreements with those factors in mind and discuss any terms that might be questioned if the agreement is challenged later.
Do my fiancé and I each need our own lawyer?
Each of you having separate counsel is often helpful, especially when there are significant assets or complex terms. Independent advice reduces the risk that someone later claims they did not understand the agreement. I represent only my client and can coordinate respectfully with your partner’s attorney when needed.
How far before the wedding should we start a prenup?
It is best to start well before invitations go out or major deposits are made. Beginning the process several months before a wedding in Jupiter or elsewhere in Palm Beach County gives both partners time to review drafts, ask questions, and avoid any appearance of last-minute pressure.
Can you review a prenup my partner’s lawyer drafted?
Yes. I frequently review agreements prepared by another attorney to explain what the terms mean for you under Florida law. I point out provisions that may be risky or unfair, suggest possible changes, and help you decide whether to sign, negotiate revisions, or consider a different approach.
Talk With a Jupiter Family Lawyer
A thoughtful prenuptial agreement can protect important assets, clarify expectations, and reduce conflict if life takes an unexpected turn. If you are planning a wedding in Jupiter or elsewhere in Palm Beach County, now is the right time to learn your options and decide whether a written agreement makes sense for you.
As a prenuptial agreement lawyer Jupiter residents rely on, I bring over 30 years of Florida family law experience to every consultation. I will take the time to understand your goals, explain the law in clear terms, and help you choose a path that fits your situation and your values.
To schedule a confidential consultation, call our Jupiter prenuptial 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