Postnup Agreements Alberta
Designed by lawyers. Made by you.
Jointly helps you collaboratively create a relationship agreement for managing your property and finances during your relationship and in case it ends.
How it works
1.
Educate yourself
Learn about how to make a fair, enforceable prenup or cohabitation agreement that reflects both your and your partner’s wishes
2.
Work with your partner
Use our tools to learn more about each other’s assets and debts and decide what you want your agreement to say.
3.
Make an agreement
Take 30 minutes to complete a questionnaire and our Agreement Builder will produce an agreement that’s easy to read and legally enforceable.
4.
Finalize your agreement
Once you have your draft agreement, you and your partner can sign it. You’re done!
About Us
Our team is led by Aimee and Amanda, two experienced lawyers who are deeply committed to access to justice, community building, and helping people solve everyday legal problems. Having seen firsthand the challenges ordinary people face in accessing reliable legal services, they founded Jointly to create more affordable, accessible solutions for everyone.
Why You Need A Postnup Agreement
A postnup agreement is the only way to make sure your property and finances are protected, and divided in a way that fits your personal circumstances if your relationship ends.
Jointly Relationship Agreements
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Full Access $379
- Access to our e-course on relationship agreements
- Build your personalized and legally compliant agreement with our Agreement Builder
- Include terms on spousal support, property division, businesses, houses, pensions, wills, pets, and more!
Relationship Agreements
Alberta Prenup Agreements
Create a fair, lawyer-approved prenup together online. Jointly helps you build a clear, enforceable agreement before marriage, so you both know where you stand.
Alberta Cohabitation Agreements
Moving in together? Protect your finances and property with a cohabitation agreement. Jointly makes it easy to create one collaboratively, affordably, and online.
Alberta Postnuptial Agreements
Already married? Set clear terms for property and finances. Jointly helps couples create personalized postnuptial agreements that support long-term trust and peace of mind.
Frequently asked questions
What is a postnuptial agreement?
A postnuptial agreement (or postnup) is a legal contract between two people who live together in a romantic relationship. It outlines financial commitments, property ownership, and responsibilities during the relationship and in the event of a breakup – essentially the same subjects that would be included in a prenup, but it’s signed after the wedding date.
How is a postnuptial agreement different from a prenuptial agreement?
The only difference between a postnup and a prenup is when you sign it! An agreement made before the wedding is called a prenup, and an agreement made any time after the wedding is called a postnup, or a marriage agreement. The content and subject matter of postnups and prenups are the same.
What is the purpose of a postnuptial agreement?
The purpose of a postnuptial agreement is to set out how you and your partner will manage your finances, assets and debts during your relationship and if you separate. You may have heard the phrase “You already have a prenup – it’s provincial law” and that’s true! If you don’t make your own agreement, whether before or after your wedding, the way your property is divided is determined by provincial legislation. The legislation is designed to try to treat both members of a couple fairly, but it may not reflect how either of you would have chosen to divide your property.
Is a postnup legally binding in Alberta?
Yes, postnuptial agreements are legally binding in Alberta. It’s possible for a postnuptial agreement to be overturned in Alberta under certain circumstances. Some things that make your agreement vulnerable are (1) when one person was pressured into signing it; (2) if either person wasn’t honest about their assets when they made the agreement; and (3) if your agreement is significantly unfair given the circumstances of your relationship. We have built our agreements to address these concerns if you follow the instructions in the course.
How much does a Postnup cost in Alberta?
The average cost of a postnup in Alberta ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. This includes legal fees, financial disclosures, and possible negotiations between both parties.
Using an online service like Jointly is a more affordable option, offering a fixed price of $379 for a legally valid agreement. We have also designed Jointly to be a collaborative process where you and your partner can learn and make your decisions together, instead of getting separate lawyers to negotiate for you, which can feel adversarial.
What can be included in an Alberta postnuptial agreement?
A postnuptial agreement can be customized to meet a couple’s unique needs. Common inclusions are:
- Asset and debt division – How property and liabilities will be handled in case of separation.
- Spousal support – Whether one spouse will receive financial support if the relationship ends – including the amount and duration of support payments.
- Inheritance rights – Protecting future inheritances from being treated as family property – no matter how they are used.
- Ownership of businesses – Determining how business interests will be treated in case of separation.
- Financial responsibilities during marriage – Clarifying who will cover household expenses, investments, and debt repayment.
- Estate planning considerations – Deciding what your obligations are to each other when it comes to making your will.
How is a postnup different from a prenup?
The only difference between a postnup and a prenup is when you sign it! An agreement made before the wedding is called a prenup, and an agreement made any time after the wedding is called a postnup, or a marriage agreement. The content and subject matter of postnups and prenups are the same.
Can a postnup be challenged in court in Alberta?
Postnups are legally binding in Alberta in most circumstances. However, it’s possible for a postnuptial agreement to be overturned by the court in Alberta under certain circumstances. Some things that make your agreement vulnerable are (1) when one person was pressured into signing it; (2) if either person wasn’t honest about their assets when they made the agreement; and (3) if your agreement is significantly unfair given the circumstances of your relationship. We have built our agreements to address these concerns if you follow the instructions in the course.
How long does it take to draft a postnup in Alberta?
If you use a lawyer to draft your postnup, the process is likely to take several weeks or up to a couple of months. The process with a lawyer involves each person meeting with their own separate lawyer to provide information and receive advice, and then those two lawyers will negotiate the terms of the agreement.
If you use Jointly to make your agreement, you can create your agreement today.
What happens if we divorce and don’t have a postnuptial agreement?
If you divorce and you don’t have a postnuptial agreement, the way that your property is divided is determined by Alberta’s family legislation. This legislation is designed to try to treat each member of a couple fairly, but the legislative definition of fair may not represent what you would have chosen for yourselves. If you can come to an agreement with your ex-spouse fairly amicably, the cost of a divorce is a few thousand dollars. If there’s any disputes, that cost can quickly rise to tens of thousands of dollars.
Getting a postnup lowers your risk of a high-conflict and high-cost divorce.
Learn More About Postnup Agreements
Prenuptial, Postnuptial, and Cohabitation Agreements – What’s the Difference?
Postnuptial Vs Prenuptial
What Is A Prenup?
The best time to make a relationship agreement is at the beginning of your relationship.
