Tulsa Attorney Discusses How Prenuptial Agreements Work In Oklahoma

It's maybe something you've heard about in the movies or tabloids, but prenuptial agreements can be very important before you tie the knot.

Here to tell us more about it is Attorney Lashandra Peoples-Johnson, with Johnson Cephas Law in Tulsa.

What is a prenuptial agreement, or prenup?

A prenuptial agreement is a contract or agreement before a marriage, between the parties who are to be married. It defines the sharing of finances during the marriage, as well as the division of assets or accounts in case of a divorce.

What is required for a prenup to be valid in Oklahoma?

The requirement are that it has to be in writing, and it has to be free of duress, fraud, or coercion. Both parties have to have a full disclosure of the assets that they actually have. Many times you have to have proof of bank statements, information about any trusts, and details if you have a 401K. It's important to have separate attorneys to advise each person on what's best for the individual.

What are the benefits of a prenup?

One of the benefits of having a prenuptial agreement is that it clearly defines the financial state of each individual and the marriage as a whole. It could help solve problems during a divorce if either party has a big financial gain or new influx of money.

What can't you do with a prenup?

You cannot deal with children in a prenuptial agreement. You can't deal with child support, custody, or other decisions around the child. You also can't define marital roles in a prenup.