NY · Equitable distribution

New York Prenuptial Agreements

A New York prenuptial agreement supersedes the default equitable-distribution framework under DRL §236(B) — but New York is unforgiving about execution formalities, and courts have voided otherwise-valid prenups over a defective acknowledgment alone.

Flat fee from $1,500 · a fraction of a $15,000–$100,000+ divorce

Equitable distribution

How New York divides property.

New York divides marital property by equitable distribution — fairly, but not necessarily 50/50. A prenuptial agreement lets you set your own terms instead of leaving it to a court.

WealthGuard builds your agreement around these rules — so it’s tailored to New York, not a generic national template.

What New York requires

Signed and acknowledged like a deed

Under DRL §236(B)(3), the agreement must be in writing, signed, and acknowledged before a notary in the form required to record a real-estate deed — a stricter standard than ordinary notarization.

In writing and signed

The agreement must be a written contract signed by both parties before the marriage.

Full and fair financial disclosure

Each party should fully disclose assets, debts, and income. Inadequate disclosure is a leading reason agreements are later thrown out.

Voluntary, without duress

Both parties must sign freely — not under pressure, and with enough time to review. Last-minute, eve-of-wedding signings invite challenges.

How WealthGuard handles New York

Your state’s rules, applied automatically.

State-aware interview

The guided interview captures the facts New York cares about — including disclosure and execution requirements.

Enforceability review

A 15-point review checks the agreement against the factors that get prenups thrown out before anything is generated.

Attorney-ready package

You receive the agreement, schedules, disclosures, and a memo — ready for a licensed New York attorney to review and finalize.

New York legal sources

This page is general information, not legal advice, and law changes over time. WealthGuard is not a law firm; your agreement is reviewed by an independent licensed attorney before you sign.