The Untold Stories of Celebrity Prenuptial Agreements
A prenuptial agreement is a legally binding contract signed by a couple who intend to be married. The contract becomes effective when the parties are legally married. Pre-nuptial agreements can make dissolving a marriage less costly, quicker, and less stressful. The agreement settles issues that would typically be litigated or settled in a divorce action.
A prenuptial agreement can benefit anyone, regardless of their financial status. However, the agreements are common among wealthy individuals and celebrities. Some celebrity prenuptial agreements and a few rumored agreements have resulted in a great deal of press as the couples fought about the terms of their divorce.
Chris Rock and Malaak Compton-Rock
An expiration clause in a pre-nuptial agreement may cost Chris Rock millions of dollars. After 20 years of marriage, Malaak Compton-Rock filed for divorce. However, their prenup had a 20-year expiration clause. Therefore, the timing for the divorce filing was crucial in this case.
Without a pre-nuptial agreement, California’s community property laws apply. Therefore, Chris Rock could pay his ex-spouse much more as the higher earner in the marriage than he would have if the prenup were still valid.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
Most everyone who follows celebrity news (and most people who don’t) knows that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s divorce case has been brutal. The couple shares six children and has substantial joint and separate assets.
Among the terms of the prenup, it is reported the agreement includes an ironclad adultery clause giving primary custody of the kids to Angelina if Brad cheats. Also, the agreement states that all assets earned during the marriage must be placed in a trust for their six kids.
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban
It is difficult to believe that the happy couple would have a pre-nuptial agreement, but it is rumored they have a pre-nup addressing substance abuse. Rumors allege that their pre-nuptial agreement protects Nicole from financial liability if Keith consumes alcohol in excess or uses illegal drugs. The clause may have been included since Keith is a known recovering addict.
Jay Z and Beyoncé
Sources claim that the couple’s pre-nuptial agreement includes a clause that gives Beyoncé $5 million for each child born to the couple. Additionally, the prenup allegedly pays Beyoncé $1 million for each year of their marriage.
Coco Austin and Ice-T
This alleged rumor may be hard to believe, but it is Hollywood. Sources claim that Ice-T and Coco Austin’s pre-nuptial agreement gives Ice-T the rights to Coco’s buttocks and breast implants in a divorce. Should the couple ever divorce, it is unclear how the court would interpret the clause.
What Does a Pre-Nuptial Agreement Include in California?
Pre-nuptial agreements are designed to resolve financial issues in the event a couple divorces or separates. Couples may also include terms that define how financial matters are handled during the marriage.
Examples of common clauses included in prenups are those that:
- Designate assets owned by the parties that will remain separate assets
- Determine what defines property as a marital asset
- Agree on terms for spousal support or waive spousal support
- Explain each spouse’s rights regarding assets and debts during the marriage, a separation, or a divorce
- Identify the debts a spouse owes now and how debts will be divided in a divorce
- Define the rights and interests of the spouses in each other’s estates
Pre-nuptial agreements cannot include terms regarding child custody and child support. Child support is based on California’s child support guidelines.
Child custody is based on what is in the child’s best interest. Therefore, if these terms are included in a pre-nuptial agreement, the court can change the terms if it determines that they are not in the child’s best interest.
Get Help With Pre-nuptial Agreement in California
A pre-nuptial agreement has many advantages. However, it is crucial that both parties have experienced legal counsel advising them throughout the process. An attorney can help you avoid errors and situations that could nullify a pre-nuptial agreement. Call Berenji & Associates Divorce Lawyers for a free consultation with a Beverly Hills pre-nuptial agreement lawyer to discuss your legal rights.
Contact a Los Angeles Family Law Lawyer Today
If you’re considering a prenuptial agreement or need help drafting one, you need a knowledgeable legal team to protect your interests. Call Berenji & Associates Divorce Lawyers today to learn how we can assist you with your prenup needs.we can assist you.
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