Prenuptual & Postnuptial Agreements
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are contracts between spouses or prospective spouses which determine the financial rights and obligations of each in the event of divorce. The only difference between a pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreement is that one occurs prior to marriage, and the other happens after a marriage. There are many purposes for a prenuptial or
postnuptial agreement, including asset protection, establishing rights regarding income earned during the marriage, providing for an alternate property arrangement in lieu of community property rights, and they can also serve as a form of estate planning to ensure adult children of a spouse receives a parent’s assets.
Our Approach to Pre- & Postnuptial Agreements
We work with our clients to negotiate a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement that will be enforceable and meet your needs while preserving the relationship between spouses or soon to be spouses. While the decision to enter into a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement is a personal one, protecting personal assets in the event of a divorce requires knowledge of special areas of law, including community property and contracts. Our family law attorneys can help in crafting appropriate agreements to suit the wishes of each individual client.
While most family law firms are small, our eight-attorney firm has the resources to attend to all of our clients’ needs. GFT, LLP offers a comprehensive range of legal services to address our clients’ family law issues from traditional litigation, to collaborative services, to mediation services, or a hybrid of these methods.
How Pre- & Postnuptial Cases are Determined
Deciding whether or not to obtain a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can often be a challenging and complicated choice. Fortunately, GFT, LLP is available to advocate for you every step of the way. As one of the largest family law firms in Southern California, Gilligan, Frisco & Trutanich, LLP has the dedication and experience required to handle every type of family law matter. Specializing in complex family matters, GFT has a staff of eight attorneys. From litigation to mediation to collaborative divorce, GFT has a proven track record of favorably resolving client cases through skilled representation and strong advocacy.
What Are Pre- & Postnuptial Agreements?
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are contracts between spouses or prospective spouses which determine the financial rights and obligations of each in the event of divorce. The only difference between a pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreement is that one occurs prior to marriage, and the other happens after a marriage. There are many purposes for a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, including asset protection, establishing rights regarding income earned during the marriage, providing for an alternate property arrangement in lieu of community property rights, and they can also serve as a form of estate planning to ensure adult children of a spouse receives a parent’s assets.
Our Approach to Pre- & Postnuptial Agreements
We work with our clients to negotiate a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement that will be enforceable and meet your needs while preserving the relationship between spouses or soon to be spouses. While the decision to enter into a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement is a personal one, protecting personal assets in the event of a divorce requires knowledge of special areas of law, including community property and contracts. Our family law attorneys can help in crafting appropriate agreements to suit the wishes of each individual client.
While most family law firms are small, our eight-attorney firm has the resources to attend to all of our clients’ needs. GFT, LLP offers a comprehensive range of legal services to address our clients’ family law issues from traditional litigation, to collaborative services, to mediation services, or a hybrid of these methods.
How Pre- & Postnuptial Cases are Determined
Deciding whether or not to obtain a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can often be a challenging and complicated choice. Fortunately, GFT, LLP is available to advocate for you every step of the way. As one of the largest family law firms in Southern California, Gilligan, Frisco & Trutanich, LLP has the dedication and experience required to handle every type of family law matter. Specializing in complex family matters, GFT has a staff of eight attorneys. From litigation to mediation to collaborative divorce, GFT has a proven track record of favorably resolving client cases through skilled representation and strong advocacy.
FAQs About Pre- & Postnuptial Agreements
Should I get a prenup?
Maybe. If any of the following circumstances apply to you, then a prenup may be something to consider: if you own a business prior to the marriage, if one partner is wealthier than the other, you own property, or you expect to receive a large inheritance.
Is a prenuptial or a postnuptial agreement more ideal?
It depends on your comfort level. For many people, it’s awkward to have a prenuptial conversation before the marriage. There are times when prenuptial agreements present clients with issues that make them want to reconsider their union. After the marriage, they are already legally bound so things can get more complicated if these issues arise.
When should I consider a postnuptial agreement?
There are a number of circumstances when you can benefit from a postnuptial agreement. You should enter into one for the purpose of defining your wishes for any property that you brought into your marriage, if a spouse runs into legal trouble during the marriage, if one spouse stops working to take care of the children, or if one spouse acquires a financial windfall during the marriage.
Our Family Law & Divorce Attorneys
When you’re going through a tough time, you need a full team on your side. Our five-attorney firm has all of the resources to attend to our clients’ needs.
John J. Gilligan, CFLS |
John J. Gilligan, CFLS has practiced family law for 39 years and handled over 7500 family law matters. He sits on the Family Law Executive Committee for the Los Angeles County Bar and donates several hours of his time each month to the court system as a mediator and Judge Pro Tem.
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Janine M. Frisco |
Ms. Frisco’s first preference is always to mediate spousal, financial and custody issues, she is also a staunch advocate for her client’s and a relentless opponent in a court of law. Ms. Frisco regularly litigates complex trials, acts as a mediator for both parties, and collaborates when the parties pursue collaboration.
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Kristin Trutanich |
Kristin Trutanich is a trial attorney with over 13 years of litigation experience. Prior to joining Gilligan, Frisco & Trutanich, Ms. Trutanich was a Deputy District Attorney with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. As a Deputy District Attorney, she tried over 70 jury trials involving domestic violence etc.
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Michael Sarris |
Michael Sarris specializes in California family law with extensive experience in the areas of child support, child custody and visitation, spousal support and community property division. Mr. Sarris founded the Law Offices of Michael Sarris.
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Wendy K. Tse |
Family law attorney, Wendy K. Tse, has practiced family law exclusively since 1998. Ms.Tse specializes in and has extensive experience with matters pertaining to California divorce, contested custody disputes, child support, spousal support etc.
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Our Family Law & Divorce Attorneys
When you’re going through a tough time, you need a full team on your side. Our five-attorney firm has all of the resources to attend to our clients’ needs.
John J. Gilligan, CFLS |
John J. Gilligan, CFLS has practiced family law for 39 years and handled over 7500 family law matters. He sits on the Family Law Executive Committee for the Los Angeles County Bar and donates several hours of his time each month to the court system as a mediator and Judge Pro Tem.
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Janine M. Frisco |
Ms. Frisco’s first preference is always to mediate spousal, financial and custody issues, she is also a staunch advocate for her client’s and a relentless opponent in a court of law. Ms. Frisco regularly litigates complex trials, acts as a mediator for both parties, and collaborates when the parties pursue collaboration.
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Kristin Trutanich |
Kristin Trutanich is a trial attorney with over 13 years of litigation experience. Prior to joining Gilligan, Frisco & Trutanich, Ms. Trutanich was a Deputy District Attorney with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. As a Deputy District Attorney, she tried over 70 jury trials involving domestic violence etc.
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Michael Sarris |
Michael Sarris specializes in California family law with extensive experience in the areas of child support, child custody and visitation, spousal support and community property division. Mr. Sarris founded the Law Offices of Michael Sarris.
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Wendy K. Tse |
Family law attorney, Wendy K. Tse, has practiced family law exclusively since 1998. Ms.Tse specializes in and has extensive experience with matters pertaining to California divorce, contested custody disputes, child support, spousal support etc.
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100+ YEARS COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCE
Our Law Firm’s History
Gilligan, Frisco & Trutanich, LLP, was co-founded by John J. Gilligan, who has been practicing family law in Long Beach since 1981. Janine M. Frisco is also a partner, as is Kristin Trutanich. Together, they are the area’s most comprehensive legal stronghold.
GFT has helped individuals and their families surmount their legal difficulties for the past several decades. We are proud to serve Southern California, and have the dedication and experience required to handle every type of issue.
The Team of Attorneys
You’ve Been Looking For
Our experienced team of professionals will guide you through life’s murkiest waters. At Gilligan, Frisco & Trutanich, LLP, we have the resources needed to represent clients in all aspects of family and criminal law.
The Team of Attorneys You’ve Been Looking For
Our experienced team of professionals will guide you through life’s murkiest waters. At Gilligan, Frisco & Trutanich, LLP, we have the resources needed to represent clients in all aspects of family and criminal law.
Office
Locations
We have two offices conveniently located in Long Beach & Palos Verdes. We represent clients in courts throughout Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties.
Long Beach Office
One World Trade Center, Suite #1740
Long Beach, CA 90831
Telephone: (562) 431-2000
FAX: (562) 431-2100
Palos Verdes Office
2516 Vía Tejon, Suite 309
Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
Telephone: (310) 237-9001
FAX: (562) 431-2100