Planning for the future means preparing for all possibilities, including those that are difficult to talk about. If you’re getting married or already married in Tennessee, a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can give you and your partner peace of mind, financial clarity, and a foundation of mutual trust.
Amanda Gentry is a Nashville prenuptial agreement lawyer who helps couples approach these conversations with confidence and compassion. Whether you’re safeguarding assets, protecting children from previous relationships, or simply want to ensure fairness should life take an unexpected turn, the Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry is here to help you plan ahead.
Why a Prenuptial Agreement Might Be Right for You
There is a common misconception that prenups are only for the wealthy or celebrities. The truth is, any couple can benefit from the transparency and protection a prenuptial agreement offers. No matter the assets you and your spouse possess, they are worth protecting legally.
A well-crafted prenup allows both parties to:
- Define how assets and debts will be handled during and after marriage
- Establish financial expectations and boundaries
- Protect individual or family-owned property
- Outline how property would be divided in case of divorce
- Clarify estate plans, especially in second marriages or blended families
Whether you’re entering your first marriage, bringing assets or children into the relationship, or building a business, a prenup can prevent uncertainty later. This agreement also sets a high standard of communication for a couple and displays the strength involved in properly preparing for all outcomes.
What Can (and Can’t) Be Included in a Tennessee Prenup
Prenuptial agreements in Tennessee are governed by state law and must meet specific legal standards to be enforceable. They must be entered into voluntarily, with full disclosure, and without coercion.
Here’s what you can typically include:
- Division of marital and separate property
- Responsibility for individual and joint debts
- Treatment of businesses, real estate, and investments
- Spousal support terms
- Provisions for estate planning
However, there are also limitations. Prenups cannot:
- Predetermine child custody or child support arrangements (these are decided based on the child’s best interest at the time of divorce)
- Include terms that violate public policy or law
- Be unconscionable or unfairly one-sided at the time of enforcement
The Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry ensures that every agreement is customized, clear, and enforceable. We won’t let a well-crafted agreement become void because of a minor mistake, allowing you to go forth knowing the right prenuptial agreement lawyer had your back.
Modifying or Voiding a Prenuptial Agreement
Circumstances change. If your prenup no longer reflects your current situation or you believe it was entered into unfairly, you may have options. Prenups can be modified, updated, or even voided under certain conditions. One example is if one party failed to disclose significant assets or if the agreement was signed under duress.
Our prenuptial lawyers can review your existing agreement and help you determine whether it remains valid or needs adjustment based on Tennessee law.
Common Reasons Clients Seek Prenups in Nashville
Couples across Nashville and Middle Tennessee come to our firm for a variety of reasons. Some of these are practical, some personal. Here are some of the most common:
- You own a business or professional practice and want to protect it from being divided
- You’ve been married before and want to prevent complications in case of a future divorce
- You have children from a previous relationship and want to preserve their inheritance
- You’re entering the marriage with substantial savings, property, or debt
- You’re receiving a family inheritance or expect to in the future
- You want to reduce the financial and emotional stress that can arise from uncertainty during a divorce
No matter the motivation, our lawyers help clients navigate these decisions with dignity and discretion.
Prenup Myths: It’s Not Just for the Wealthy
Many people avoid discussing prenuptial agreements because they believe it implies mistrust or pessimism. The reality is a prenup is not planning for failure, it’s planning for fairness. Sensible couples all over the country seek prenups as a way to ensure an equitable separation should the relationship come to an end. No one should face the uncertainty of asset distribution after a divorce without a prenup when emotions can run hot and cloud better judgement.
Think of it like insurance or an estate plan. You hope never to need it, but if you do, it protects everyone involved. More and more couples of all income levels are recognizing the value of starting marriage with clarity, not confusion.
Are Prenups Enforceable in Divorce Court?
Yes, but only if they meet certain legal criteria. Tennessee courts will examine:
- Whether the agreement was entered voluntarily
- Whether both parties had the opportunity to consult legal counsel
- Whether full financial disclosure was made
- Whether the terms are reasonable and not unconscionable
Amanda Gentry drafts every agreement with an eye toward enforceability. Her knowledge of Tennessee family law agreements ensures that your prenup can stand up in court, if necessary.
What Is a Postnuptial Agreement—and When Is It Used?
Unlike a prenuptial agreement, which is signed before marriage, a postnuptial agreement is a legal contract entered into after the wedding. Many couples in Tennessee find postnups useful during major life transitions, such as:
- A significant change in income or assets
- One spouse starting a business
- Inheritance or family property transfers
- Estate planning for blended families
- Renewing financial boundaries after marital challenges
Just like a prenup, a postnup outlines how assets, debts, and property will be handled in the event of separation, divorce, or death. It can be used to clarify financial responsibilities and provide reassurance, especially in high-asset or complex marital situations.
Life changes fast, even after a couple is joined into a partnership. Our family lawyers advocate for fair distribution of finance and responsibility and understand that a postnuptial agreement is a sign of a strong couple who is giving their future the proper attention it deserves.
What to Expect During Your First Consultation with Amanda
Talking about prenuptial agreements doesn’t have to be intimidating. When you meet with Amanda, you’ll find a calm, supportive environment where your concerns are taken seriously and your questions are answered clearly.
In your consultation, Amanda will:
- Learn more about your goals and relationship dynamics
- Review your financial landscape and future plans
- Explain your legal rights and responsibilities under Tennessee law
- Offer practical, personalized solutions for creating a fair agreement
She’ll also help you understand how a prenup fits into your larger marital and legal plans. This is especially important for issues like divorce, child custody, or child support ever come into play.
Every couple is different. Amanda listens with empathy and an eye for fairness so you can move forward feeling informed and empowered.
Talk to a Nashville Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer Today
Whether you're newly engaged, already married, or just exploring your options, now is the right time to seek legal guidance. The earlier you start the process, the more time you and your partner have to communicate, reflect, and make decisions that feel right for both of you.
Amanda Gentry is a trusted Nashville prenuptial agreement lawyer who understands that love and law don’t have to be in conflict. With her help, you can enter marriage with security and build a future that honors both your hearts and your hard work.
Contact us today or call (615) 604-6263 to learn how the Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry can help you create a fair, enforceable prenuptial or postnuptial agreement tailored to your needs.
