When it comes to protecting your future together, nothing beats clarity. That’s why many couples choose to put their intentions in writing with a marriage agreement. Whether you’re looking for a pre marriage contract sample, a marriage agreement template, or a marriage agreement example to inspire your own, this guide will walk you through exactly what these contracts look like, why they matter, and how to create one that works for your relationship.
Understanding Marriage Agreements
What Is a Marriage Agreement?
A marriage agreement (sometimes called a marriage contract) is a legally binding document between two partners that sets out financial, property, and personal arrangements for their marriage. It can cover everything from who owns what before the wedding to how you’ll share expenses and manage assets in the future.
While some think only of prenuptial agreements, marriage agreements accomplish the same thing. If you’re not married, you’re in luck. Cohabitation agreements cover the same topics as prenups and marriage agreements.
Why You Need a Marriage Contract Sample
Looking at a marriage agreement contract sample or example marriage contract can help you understand what clauses are typically included and how they’re worded. A marriage contract sample can give you a clear reference point so you can decide what fits your needs and what doesn’t.
Popular Marriage Agreement Examples
Prenuptial Agreement or Marriage Contract
A prenuptial agreement is a type of marriage agreement signed before the wedding. A marriage prenuptial agreement sample usually covers:
- Property owned before marriage
- How future property will be divided
- Debt responsibility
- Spousal support terms
Reviewing a marriage agreement sample before you draft yours ensures you cover all essential points.
Postnuptial Agreement
A postnuptial agreement is signed after the wedding but serves the same purpose as a prenup. A post marriage agreement sample can be especially helpful if your financial situation changes, such as starting a business or receiving an inheritance.
Cohabitation Agreement
If you live together but aren’t married, a cohabitation agreement can act like a civil marriage contract sample, outlining property rights and responsibilities. It’s a practical way to ensure both partners are legally protected.
Key Components of a Marriage Agreement
Example Marriage Contract Clauses to Include
A well-drafted marriage agreement might include:
- Property ownership – Who owns what before and after the marriage.
- Debt responsibility – Who is liable for existing and future debts.
- Financial arrangements – How you’ll manage joint expenses.
- Inheritance rights – What happens in case of death.
- Dispute resolution – How disagreements will be handled.
Building your agreement on Jointly will show you how these clauses are worded in real life.
Marriage Settlement Agreement Essentials
In cases of separation or divorce, a marriage settlement agreement template outlines how property, debts, and support will be handled. A marriage settlement agreement sample or marriage settlement agreement example can guide you in covering all important terms. Jointly currently only offers prenuptial, cohabitation and marriage agreements, but we hope to help with separation agreements soon!
Types of Marriage Agreements
Marriage agreements aren’t one-size-fits-all. Here are a few common types:
- Prenuptial agreements – Signed before marriage.
- Postnuptial agreements – Signed after marriage.
- Cohabitation agreements – For unmarried partners.
- Separation agreements – For couples ending their relationships.
How to Create a Marriage Agreement
Using a Marriage Agreement Template
A marriage agreement template or marriage contract template can save you time by providing a ready-made structure. You can find free wedding contract examples or purchase professionally drafted ones.
A good template will:
- Be specific to your province or territory’s laws
- Include all standard clauses
- Allow customization for your situation
Customizing a Marriage Contract Template
Once you have a template, you’ll need to adapt it. That’s where an example marriage contract or contract marriage sample comes in handy. By comparing samples, you can see how to adjust terms to match your needs, whether you’re drafting a marriage settlement example or a marriage contract template.
If you’re using a template for your marriage agreement, be very cautious. A good template will be drafted by a lawyer, according to the law in your province. Many online templates are patched together using American laws that do not apply to Canadians. A faulty template is unlikely to be upheld by a court if there is a dispute at the end of your relationship. That means you are at risk of paying tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees if you have a contested divorce.
Jointly’s lawyer-built platform takes the guess work out of making your marriage agreement online. It is customized to align with the law in your province, which significantly reduces the risk that your marriage agreement will be deemed invalid down the line.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage Agreements
What Should Be Included in a Marriage Agreement?
At minimum, your marriage agreement should cover:
- Full disclosure of assets and debts
- Division of property and income
- Debt liability
- Spousal support terms
- Inheritance rights
- Signatures and witnesses
Reviewing a sample marital agreement or pre marriage contract sample can give you an idea of what it looks like. Jointly’s free Agreement Starter Kit can also teach you about the law in your province, and walk you through how to complete property disclosure, which is the first step to making an agreement.
How to Use an Ante Nuptial Contract Template
An ante nuptial contract template is another term for a prenuptial agreement template. You can use it as a base, but it’s best to customize it to reflect your relationship and legal requirements in your area.
Specialized Marriage Agreements
Marriage Separation Agreement Template
A marriage separation agreement template (sometimes called a printable marriage separation agreement template) outlines the terms for living apart, including property division, financial responsibilities, and parenting arrangements. Looking at a sample marriage separation agreement or marriage separation agreement example can help you ensure nothing is overlooked.
Sample Marriage Reconciliation Agreement
When couples reconcile after separation, a sample marriage reconciliation agreement can clarify the new terms of the relationship, such as financial arrangements or property sharing.
Let’s Draft Your Marriage Agreement with Confidence
Ensure Your Agreement Meets Legal Standards
When you’re making a marriage agreement, the most important thing is that your agreement meets the legal requirements in your jurisdiction.
Jointly helps couples go from a marriage agreement template to a legally reliable contract quickly and easily. We guide you through the process, provide examples, and ensure you understand every clause before signing, all at a fraction of the cost of traditional legal services.
Your relationship deserves clarity and fairness and a marriage agreement is one of the best ways to achieve that. Get started today!
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