Texas PreMarital Agreements

In Texas pre-marital or pre-nuptial agreements are enforceable so long as it is in writing and is signed by both parties. The agreement is enforceable even though without consideration, unlike a deed where consideration is necessary. Under Section 4.001 of the Texas Family Code, a 'Premarital Agreement" is a written agreement between prospective spouses in contemplation of marriage and is effective upon marriage.

The parties to a premarital agreement may contract with respect to:

(1) the rights and obligations of each of the parties in any of the property of either or both of them whenever and wherever acquired or located;

(2) the right to buy, sell, use, transfer, exchange, abandon, lease, consume, expend, assign, create a security interest in, mortgage, encumber, dispose of, or otherwise manage and control property;

(3) the disposition of property on separation, marital dissolution, death, or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any other event;

(4) the modification or elimination of spousal support;

(5) the making of a will, trust, or other arrangement to carry out the provisions of the agreement;

(6) the ownership rights in and disposition of the death benefit from a life insurance policy;

(7) the choice of law governing the construction of the agreement; and

(8) any other matter, including their personal rights and obligations, not in violation of public policy or a statute imposing a criminal penalty.