New York Prenuptial Agreements
Know where you stand before you walk down the aisle.
Many people approach a prenuptial agreement with anxiety. Either they've been asked to sign one and feel uncertain, or they want one and don't know how to start the conversation. Sydney has been on both sides of that table. Whichever side you're on, her goal is the same: an agreement that is fair, clearly understood, and built to hold up if it's ever needed.
If you want a prenup
Sydney takes the time to understand your assets, priorities, and concerns, and advises you on the law and how best to protect what matters to you. She drafts agreements that are thorough, enforceable, and fair, without creating an adversarial dynamic before your marriage begins.
If you've been asked to sign one
You deserve independent counsel who will review the agreement carefully, explain every term, and make sure your interests are protected before you sign anything.
Who Sydney represents
Sydney represents one party to each agreement, never both. Her clients include individuals entering a first or second marriage, members of same-sex and international couples, and people with trusts, inheritances, or family wealth to protect.
How it works
Consultation. Discuss your goals, timeline, and finances in confidence.
Drafting or review. Sydney prepares the agreement or carefully reviews the one you've received.
Negotiation. She works through revisions with the other side's counsel.
Signing. The agreement is signed and acknowledged with the formalities New York law requires.
Frequently asked questions
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Yes, when they're done properly. Under New York Domestic Relations Law § 236(B)(3), the agreement must be in writing, signed by both parties, and acknowledged in the manner required to record a deed. A court may set aside an agreement that resulted from fraud, duress, or overreaching, or that is unconscionable. Full financial disclosure and independent counsel for each party help protect it.
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It isn't legally required, but it's strongly recommended. Independent counsel helps ensure each person understands what they're signing and strengthens the agreement if it's ever challenged. Sydney represents one party only.
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As early as possible. Months are better than weeks. Starting early leaves time for full financial disclosure and careful negotiation, and ensures neither of you feels rushed into signing.
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Yes. A postnuptial agreement can address the same issues as a prenup, and it must meet the same formal requirements under New York law.
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No. Custody and child support are decided based on the child's best interests at the time, and child support must comply with New York's Child Support Standards Act. A prenup can, however, address property, spousal maintenance, and estate rights.
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Sydney bills hourly rather than charging a flat fee. That gives each agreement the time it needs to be carefully negotiated, thoroughly drafted, and built to hold up in court.
What a prenup can address
Separate and marital property
Business interests and professional practices
Family wealth, trusts, and inheritances
Real estate, including homes owned before marriage
Spousal maintenance
Debts and liabilities
Estate rights, including the spousal right of election
Planning to marry? Start the conversation early.
Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your goals, your timeline, and the agreement that's right for you.