Prenuptial Agreement Attorney in Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth Prenup Lawyer, Drafting, Review, Negotiation, High-Asset & Business Owner Prenuptial Agreements, Separate and Community Property Planning

Aerial shot of a metropolitan area in Texas, where residents need prenuptial agreement services.

At Hargrave Family Law, we help clients across North Texas create prenuptial agreements that protect your assets, and lay the foundation for a strong start to your marriage built on understanding and clarity.

A prenuptial agreement is a written contract signed before marriage that clarifies financial expectations, identifies and protects assets, outlines the handling of debts, delineates inheritance for you or children from a prior relationship, and provides peace of mind if the marriage ends or one spouse passes away.

Prenups matter in Texas because it is a community property state, meaning assets and debts acquired during marriage may be treated as shared. To be enforceable, a prenuptial agreement must be in writing, signed voluntarily, and be based on fair financial disclosure.

Since 2013, Hargrave Family Law has guided North Texas couples through this process with a collaborative, and future-focused approach. Our highly respected team helps clients create tailored agreements that align with their goals and core values, finding respectful, collaborative, and efficient resolutions that focus on your future .

We can assist you in developing an equitable agreement, support you in presenting it to your future spouse, and handle any negotiations that arise. If your partner has already retained counsel and proposed an agreement, we can review it with you to ensure you fully understand your rights and consider any revisions that may better protect your interests.

Our Prenuptial Agreement Services in Texas

Prenuptial Agreement Drafting
Prenuptial Agreement Review
Prenuptial Agreement Negotiation
High-Asset Prenuptial Agreements
Business Owner Prenuptial Agreements
Separate Property Protection
Community Property Division Planning
Debt Protection Agreements
Inheritance Protection
Legacy Wealth Protection
Real Estate and Investment Protection
Spousal Support / Alimoney Terms
Prenuptial Agreement Enforcement
Challenging a Prenuptial Agreement
Financial Disclosure Guidance
Prenup Updates Before Marriage

WE WILL SPEAK FOR YOUR RIGHTS

Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your options. You may find that you are entitled to payment if your claim was denied or underpaid.

Book Consultation

Professional woman in navy dress, office background

Why Choose Hargrave Family Law

Board-Certification in Family Law

Clients value experienced guidance from a firm led by a lawyer who is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. With Board certified attorneys and paralegals on our team, you know you are getting excellent legal advocacy that’s focused on applying Texas law to enable you to honor your goals and core values.

A Dignified, Non-Adversarial Approach

Our team focuses on collaborative, resolution-driven strategies that help protect relationships, reduce unnecessary conflict, and keep the focus on long-term outcomes. This is especially important when handling the creation of a prenuptial agreement, which requires diplomacy and discretion.

Experience in Complicated Lives and Assets

High-level professionals, business owners, and families with significant assets and legacy wealth choose our firm for our insight that helps you protect your future. We are skilled at managing complex financial situations for our clients so they can rest easy knowing their goals are top of mind during negotiations.

Respected Across Texas

Repeated inclusion in Best Lawyers in America® , and Tier 1 Best Law Firms® ranking, as well as Texas Super Lawyers® and AVVO recognition, reinforces the firm’s strong reputation in family law.

Support That Goes Beyond the Case

You will be given practical resources, and ongoing legal advocacy that is designed to help you continue to move forward with confidence.

What a Texas Prenup Can Cover

A Texas prenup will generally address what assets stay separate, what will be treated as marital property, and how certain assets would be handled if the marriage ends or a spouse dies. In Texas, that often includes real estate, investment accounts, retirement interests, and business ownership.

A well-drafted agreement may specifically address:

Identification of separate property owned before marriage
Outline how future income from separate property will be classified
Determine Debt allocation, including student loans, credit cards, and business liabilities
Delineate Spousal support or alimony terms after a divorce
Assignment of business interests, partnerships, and future business value appreciation/depreciation
Clarify inheritance rights for a surviving spouse or children from a prior relationship, including family legacy wealth
Clarify who has the right to buy/sell the marital home

Texas Prenup Requirements and Enforceability

For a prenup to be enforceable in Texas, these requirements should be kept in mind:

Agreements must be in writing and signed by both parties. Oral agreements are not enough.
Texas courts can refuse to enforce a premarital agreement if one person signed under coercion, duress, or without a fair chance to review it. The agreement should be completed well before the wedding so neither person feels rushed or pressured.
Full and honest asset and financial disclosure matters too, especially when the agreement deals with significant property, business interests, trusts, investments, or debt. Hiding assets will come back to harm you.
If the terms are extremely one-sided and key information was hidden, enforceability can become a problem.

A note: A Texas prenuptial agreement cannot dictate issues like child custody or child support. Those decisions must be addressed through a separate legal process such as a divorce or SAPCR (suit affecting the parent-child relationship) based on the child’s best interests at the time of the case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prenuptial Agreements in Texas

Can a prenup in Texas be thrown out later if one person says they were pressured to sign it right before the wedding?

Possibly. In Texas, a prenup may be challenged if someone argues they did not sign voluntarily or did not have fair disclosure before signing. A rushed signing days before the wedding, especially without time to review or ask questions, creates risk. Also, if both parties were not represented by an attorney, they may not have fully understood their rights or what was contained in the agreement, causing potential issues.

Do both people need their own lawyer for a prenup in Texas, or is one attorney enough if we agree on everything?

Texas does not require both people to have separate lawyers for a prenup to be valid. That said, separate counsel is often one of the best ways to reduce future claims that someone did not understand the agreement or felt pushed into it, and to help make sure all financial disclosures are complete. An experienced attorney can make sure that you know your rights and ensure that the agreement comports with Texas law.

Can a Texas prenup decide what happens to a house we buy after marriage if only one spouse pays for most of it?

Yes, if the agreement is drafted clearly. Texas is a community property state, so property acquired during marriage can easily become disputed unless the prenup says otherwise. A well-written agreement can address ownership of the house, reimbursement for mortgage payments, and how home value appreciation or depreciation will be treated.

If we already got married without a prenup, is it too late to protect separate property in Texas?

Not necessarily. After marriage, couples can use a postmarital property agreement, sometimes called a postnup, to clarify what is separate and what is community property under Texas law. The drafting still needs to be precise and inclusive, but a skilled attorney can guide you through the process.

Can a prenup in Texas cover spousal support, or will a court ignore that part?

Yes, a Texas prenup can address spousal support/alimony, but the wording matters. Courts may look closely at whether the provision is “unconscionable” or whether the agreement was entered into fairly.. Having the guidance of an experienced attorney can confirm the agreement is enforceable.

Will a Texas prenup help if one spouse owns a business before marriage and wants to keep future growth separate too?

Sometimes, but not automatically. A prenup can define the business as separate property and can also address future business income, appreciation, distributions, and ownership changes during and after the marriage. Without that level of detail, the increase in value or events that occur during your marriage may still create a point of confusion and muddy the waters when it comes time to enforce the agreement.

About Hargrave Family Law

Hargrave Family Law has served the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex since 2013, compassionately helping clients handle family law matters in a way that protects both legal and personal priorities.

Our firm is known for a calm, strategic approach focused on problem-solving instead of creating unnecessary conflict. Today, our team brings over 230 years of combined experience to provide strong legal advocacy to you and your family.

We work with people who want thoughtful guidance and solutions that fit their core values, especially when you are building a future with your partner. That includes helping clients make informed decisions, reducing damage to relationships, and planning for a brighter future.

In Texas, prenuptial agreements carry long-term financial consequences, so teaming with a strong legal advocate with extensive experience and sound judgment matters.

Our Process For Texas Residents

1. Initial contact

When you reach out, you will first speak with a Client Care Coordinator who helps get the conversation started.

2. Intake and scheduling

Your Client Care Coordinator will gather the basic details and set up a complimentary case evaluation with our Client Intake Specialist.

3. Case evaluation

You will meet remotely with the Client Intake Specialist to talk through your concerns, goals, and options. That may include doing nothing for now, continuing to work on the relationship or seeking counseling, retaining our firm, or scheduling time with an attorney.

4. Attorney consultation if needed

If it makes sense for your situation, you can then have a paid consultation with an attorney to review those same options in more depth.

5. Retaining the firm

If you decide to move forward, your legal team takes over your prenup matter. Our Client Care Coordinators also stay in touch monthly to check on you personally, offer support resources, and ask about your experience with our service.

6. Ongoing connection

Even after your matter is complete, our Client Care Coordinators continue to check in once a year to provide support.

What Customers Say About Hargrave Family Law

“Jennifer Hargrave and her team are the best of the best.”- K.K.

This reflects the level of confidence and trust clients want when handling a prenuptial agreement or other family law matters involving privacy, assets, and long-term planning.

“They truly care about their clients and go above and beyond.”- M.P.

Our clients consistently tell us they value not just our legal skills, but also the steady support and compassion Hargrave Family Law brings to difficult personal decisions and challenging life transitions.

“Professional, responsive, and compassionate throughout the entire process.”- S.B.

This kind of feedback speaks to what matters most in our firm, clear client communication, strategic guidance, and a compassionate and respectful process from start to finish.

“I felt heard, respected, and empowered every step of the way.”- L.R.

That aligns closely with the firm’s approach: giving clients the information and support they need to make informed decisions that fit their values. We care about the support we give our clients, and work hard to empower them with the information they need to build a brighter future.

Local Resources in Texas for Prenuptial Agreements

Texas Family Code Chapter 4
Texas Courts Self-Help Family Law Resources
Texas Law Help Marriage and Family Law Resources
Texas State Law Library Premarital Agreement Guides
Texas Judicial Branch Court Directory
Texas Office of Court Administration
Texas County Clerk Offices
Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics
Texas Secretary of State Business Organizations Search
Texas Comptroller Taxable Entity Search
Texas Real Property Records by County
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Title and Registration
Texas Department of Banking
Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending
Texas Department of Insurance
State Bar of Texas
State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral & Information Service
Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Texas Legal Services Center
Texas Advocacy Project

Get Started with a Prenup

Many partners find that discussing expectations early while the relationship is thriving creates clarity, trust, and a stronger foundation for the years ahead. If you are planning to marry and want a clear, enforceable premarital agreement that reflects your values and protects your individual and shared futures, now is the time to act.

In Texas, a prenup should be signed well before the wedding so both parties have time to review, ask questions, and make informed decisions without pressure. This is especially true in high asset families or families with legacy wealth that may require a more extensive agreement.

Hargrave Family Law helps our North Texas clients protect their assets, reduce future conflict, and move forward with confidence as they build a life together. To begin, reach out to us to schedule a complimentary case evaluation with our Client Intake Specialist. We’re here to help.

Contact Us

Call Our Office With Any Questions or To Schedule a Complimentary Case Evaluation

Call Hargrave Family Law

How We Support our clients

PERSONALIZED GUIDANCE
We provide clear, strategic legal guidance designed to protect your interests and help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE
We draw on extensive family law experience to protect your interests and strategically advocate for the future you’re envisioning.
ADVOCACY FOR CHILDREN
We provide compassionate, strategic advocacy for parents. ensuring the child’s well-being is considered and remains at the heart of every decision.
ASSET PROTECTION
We provide thoughtful, strategic counsel to safeguard your assets and secure the financial foundation for your next chapter.
BUSINESS OWNERS
We offer strategic guidance tailored to business owners, protecting both personal and professional interests while preserving the value you’ve worked hard to build.
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
We craft creative, customized solutions that honor your family’s unique needs while protecting what matters most.

Choosing an experienced Attorney

Navigating divorce can be overwhelming, but with Hargrave Family Law, you don’t have to face it alone. Our experienced Dallas family law team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process, offering the clarity, compassion, and advocacy you need to move forward with confidence. We focus exclusively on family law, helping clients begin anew with dignity and hope. We invite you to schedule a complimentary case evaluation, where our Client Intake Specialist will listen to your concerns, discuss your goals, and help you explore your options—empowering you to make informed decisions and start writing the next chapter of your life.

Meet them All

Smiling woman in glasses and black jacket indoors

Jennifer Hargrave

Owner & Managing Partner

Misty Cole

Senior Attorney

Professional woman with glasses in modern office

Michelle Heron

Senior Attorney

Smiling woman with short gray hair indoors

Donna Tomlinson

Senior Attorney

Katherine Zimmermann

Senior Attorney

Smiling professional woman in office building lobby

Hannah Rector

Senior Attorney

Smiling professional woman in office setting

LaQuisha Batson

Associate Attorney

Carie Silvestri

Of Counsel

Navigate Your Dallas Divorce with Experienced Legal Guidance

At Hargrave Family Law, our mission is to help good people end broken marriages with dignity and peace. Our Dallas family law team provides the compassionate guidance and practical resources you need to move forward with confidence. We help clients resolve their divorces through collaborative methods, private settlements, mediation, and, when necessary, litigation. Whenever possible, we encourage non-adversarial approaches that minimize conflict, preserve co-parenting relationships, and honor your family’s core values.

With extensive experience in mediation, we have guided hundreds of clients toward fair, lasting resolutions that allow them to move on with their lives. If mediation is unsuccessful, our attorneys are fully prepared to advocate for your interests in court on matters such as child custody, child support, and equitable property division.

While we prioritize cooperation and resolution, we understand that some cases demand strong, strategic legal advocacy. Our Dallas divorce lawyers combine thoughtful strategy with deep courtroom experience to protect what matters most to you. Whether negotiating a complex settlement or presenting your case before a judge, we offer clear, confident representation that reflects your goals and values—helping you divorce with dignity and move toward the next chapter of your life with hope.

additional resources

Don’t Face This Alone

Part of our mission is to offer the resources you need to move forward and reclaim peace. We invite you to explore the wealth of resources and information available from our dedicated Dallas family law team. We’ve listed just a few below.

View all resources

Prenuptial Agreement Benefits: More Than a Piece of Paper
When people hear the word “prenup,” they often picture high-profile celebrity splits or assume it’s something only the ultra-wealthy need.…
Read More
Prenuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements in Texas
Prenuptial agreements in Texas, present couples with an opportunity to understand each other's financial situation and make decisions about what…
Read More
Are prenuptial agreements only for the rich and famous?
Jennifer Hargrave joined John Liddle and KRLD Radio, Dallas-Fort Worth to discuss the current perception of prenuptial agreements and whether…
Read More
Answering Premarital Agreement Questions
Divorce attorney, Jennifer Hargrave was a guest on the Jim Bohannon Show where she answered Jim's premarital agreement questions.
Read More

FAQ

Have questions? we have answers

Will my spouse find out if I contact a divorce attorney?
The fact that you have reached out to contact a divorce attorney is privileged information and should remain protected. If you are concerned that your communications are being monitored, you need to bring that to your attorney’s attention right away, so we can help you protect your communication for that initial contact. I would recommend that you go ahead and use a phone that your spouse doesn’t have access to. If you have a phone at work or a friend’s phone, that can be helpful. Also, you may want to set up another email account that you can use for communication with your attorney. We want to make sure that all of your communication throughout the divorce process remains privileged and protected.
What is common law marriage (in Texas)?
It is quite possible to be married, even if you never had a formal marriage ceremony, you didn’t go to the courthouse, and you didn’t sign a marriage certificate! Marriage can come about by what’s called a “common law marriage.” So, if you live together, and you intended to be married, and you held yourselves out to other people as married, then you may in fact be married. That means if the marriage has come to an end, the relationship has come to an end, and you may also need a divorce in order to bring an end to that relationship. If you have any questions about whether you are married under the laws of Texas, we’d love to talk with you and help you figure out whether your next step is to file for divorce.
Do I need a premarital agreement?
If you are preparing for marriage, you may want to consider a premarital agreement as part of your marriage planning. Many people have the mistaken notion that a premarital agreement is simply planning the divorce before the marriage. And I’m going to tell you in my experience that simply isn’t the case, whether you’re in Texas or you’re in any other state, that state is going to impose rights and responsibilities with regard to your marital property. Wouldn’t you rather sit down with your intended spouse and talk about what those rights and responsibilities are, where the two of you are actually making the decisions about how you’re going to hold that property. If you own a business, if you have children from a prior marriage, if you have significant assets that you’re bringing into the marriage, or your partner has significant assets that a premarital agreement may be right for you at Hargrave Family Law, we like to work with our clients to make sure that the premarital agreement is a constructive part of marriage planning in Texas.
What grounds do I need to file for divorce (in Texas)?
In the state of Texas, couples no longer have to go through the painful process of proving grounds in order to get a divorce. In fact, Texas is a no-fault state, which means you simply have to show that the marriage has become insupportable, or in other words, the marriage is broken. Does that mean there aren’t reasons for the divorce? Of course not. There are always reasons for divorce. We no longer have to prove those reasons. At Hargrave Family Law, we know if you’ve been living in a broken marriage, it’s been a painful journey, and we want to help you bring us into that journey so you can start the next chapter of your life.
What is collaborative divorce?
A collaborative divorce allows couples who are beginning the divorce process to make the commitment to each other that they’re going to work together to resolve the issues that need to be settled. Instead of going to court and litigating the issues in front of the judge, they’re going to work with a team of dedicated professionals, including their lawyers, a mental health professional, and a financial professional who are all committed to helping them reach a final resolution. We find that our clients who engage in the collaborative divorce process enjoy the perfect privacy it provides for their families, and they enjoy the control. So there isn’t somebody else who’s making these decisions for them. And they also enjoy a stronger co-parenting relationship after the divorce is finalized.
Can I modify my custody agreement?
In the state of Texas, it is possible to modify the provisions of the original order. In order to do so, we need to show the court that there’s been a material and substantial change in circumstances. This applies whenever we’re changing child support.
- If somebody’s got a new job, and they’re making a significant amount of money, then it may be time to modify.
- If a parent has moved out of state, it may be time to modify the possession schedule,
- or if the parents are no longer able to reach agreements for any number of reasons regarding important aspects of the child’s care, then again, that may be time to modify.
In order to determine whether you’re eligible for a modification, you’ll need to meet with an attorney and see if your circumstances meet the threshold requirements in order to request the court for change, or the parties may simply agree to the changes in which case most of the time, the court will adopt those changes.
Should I empty our bank account before filing for divorce?
Emptying a bank account before filing for divorce will have serious consequences and will most certainly increase the tension and conflict in your divorce process. Before taking such a step, we strongly urge you to talk with your lawyer and make sure you’ve considered all your options. What we don’t want to do is take a step early on in the process that can make negotiating a desirable settlement, more difficult, if not impossible, later on.

You should also read this post on addressing your finances in a divorce.
I’m concerned my spouse will be abusive to our kids, what can I do?
If there has been any history of abuse in your home, whether that abuse has been directed against you or your children or any other family member for that matter, you need to take steps to put a safety plan in place as you prepare to leave your marriage.

We know that the decision to divorce is a very difficult one, especially if you’ve been in an abusive relationship. We also know that there is a heightened risk associated with the decision to divorce. We’re going to help protect you and make sure that there are safety measures in place so that you don’t have to risk hurting yourself or your children in the divorce process.
I was just served divorce papers. What should I do?
Being served with divorce papers can be a scary and intimidating time for many people. Not surprisingly when it comes to questions about divorce, we get this one a lot! The first thing you need to do is simply take a breath. You’re going to be okay. Divorce is a legal proceeding. And being served with papers is simply the formal way that your spouse lets you know that he or she has initiated that process.

Second, you’re going to find in the petition that there may be standing orders or a temporary restraining order. These are important to pay attention to because they may limit what you’re able to do – with your finances, for example.

There are other guidelines that are set forth in those orders that are very important, and you need to pay attention to them. Also, there’s a timeline that comes with the service of process, and that means that you need to get an answer on file. And there also may be a hearing date that’s scheduled. The very best thing you can do right now is to pick up the phone and contact a lawyer, so you can learn more about what this means for you.
I’ve decided to file for divorce, what can I do to prepare?
If you are in a broken marriage, and you’ve decided to file for divorce, the very best thing you can do to help prepare for that divorce is to gather information. First, you’re going to want to gather information about your household finances and understand where your accounts are.

If you have a financial advisor, take time to meet with him or her. Get copies of tax returns, and now is also a great time to get a copy of your credit report. In addition to financials, you want to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself emotionally. And by that, I mean take time to do the things that you love to do, spend time with people who love and support you. And finally, when it comes to preparing for divorce, one of the most important steps you can take is to meet with a divorce lawyer who can help you plan for the divorce and make sure you understand and know all your options.
How can I tell my spouse I want a divorce?
Having decided you want a divorce, your first big challenge is how to break the news to your spouse. Check the post, Honey, I want a Divorce for tips on making the divorce conversation easier.
How long does it take to get divorced (in Texas)?
In Texas, just because you file for divorce doesn’t mean you have to get a divorce. Sometimes couples are able to reconcile in the divorce process. If that’s something that you think might be an option, we want to know that early on, so we can help you select a process that provides the space for that to happen. And we can also put you in touch with resources that we think may be helpful.

You can also read te post How long does it take to get divorced in Texas?
Can I spy on my spouse during the divorce?
Before you take any steps, to spy on your spouse, whether you are installing a GPS tracker, you’ve got keylogger software, or you have any listening devices in your home, you need to make sure you speak with a lawyer. So many of these techniques for getting information about your spouse without their permission are illegal and can actually cause harm to your legal case. We want to make sure you get all the information that you need in the legal avenues that are available so that you can have the very best outcome possible.
How can I make divorce easier on my kids?
If you are beginning the divorce process, the very best thing you can do for your children is to let them know that they are loved by you and by the other parent. Here are some tips we found to help make divorce easier on your children.
- Keep your routines as stable and steady as possible
- Remind them that they are loved by both parents and be supportive of the children’s relationship with the other parent.
- Make sure you’re not disparaging or discouraging the other parent,
- Make sure your child has time to do the things they love to do and to spend time with their friends and their family members.
- And finally, if you find that your kiddos are experiencing disruption in their sleep or eating patterns or that they’re experiencing sadness, this is a great time to get a child therapist involved to help support your child.
You should also read Breaking the News: & Tips for Telling Your Kids About Divorce and find out more information on parenting through divorce on our blog.
Can I date during my divorce?
When facing divorce, it’s understandable that you may want to move on to your next stage in life as quickly as possible. Maybe you’ve found a companion you’d like to spend time with while your divorce is concluded. Divorce attorney Jennifer Hargrave discusses the legality of dating after filing for divorce and how to tell if you are in a common-law marriage in the state of Texas.