The Signature Union™ · Free 88-page guide
What is a prenup?A California guide for couples.
The Signature Union™: A Thoughtful Beginning explains what a prenuptial agreement in California does, what the law already provides, and the conversations worth having before either of you signs.
We help families across California.
For couples beginning a life together, blending families, growing a business or thinking about legacy. General information, not legal advice.
Attorney Advertising. This guide and page provide general information, not legal advice, and do not create an attorney-client relationship.
What's inside
Three things to understand before you sign.
A prenuptial agreement works best when it reflects informed decisions about the life you are building. The guide walks through the law, the real-life situations and the process, so both of you can see the whole picture.
Know the starting point
What California generally provides for property, earnings, gifts, a home and support, and what an agreement can and cannot change.
Plan for what you'll build
Homes and family help, a business or equity compensation, caregiving, blended families and the generations ahead.
Two voices, one plan
Independent advice for each partner, financial clarity, realistic timing and what working with an attorney looks like.
- Legal safeguardsCalifornia's default rules, and the possibilities and limits of an agreement
- Home and shared wealthA home owned before marriage, and family help with a purchase
- Business and equityOwnership, offers, stock and other compensation that arrives over time
- Family and legacyCaregiving, blended families, inheritance and estate coordination
- Conversations and next stepsPartner conversations, the process, 18 questions and 5 worksheets
A look inside
Real pages from the guide.
Calm design, plain language and clear headings, with clickable page links and optional fill-in worksheets.
California prenup basics
What does a prenup do in California?
A short preview of topics the guide covers in more depth. Every situation is different, so treat this as a starting point for your own questions.
What a prenup is
A prenuptial agreement is a contract made before marriage. California law calls it a premarital agreement. It is made before marriage, must be in writing and signed by both people, and takes effect when you marry.
California prenup laws: the starting point
Property owned before marriage and gifts or inheritances to one person are generally separate. Earnings during marriage are generally community property, with exceptions.
What a prenup can't do
It can't reduce a child's right to support or decide future custody, and it doesn't replace a will, trust or beneficiary designation.
California prenup requirements and timing
California has timing safeguards, including a seven-day review period for the final agreement, plus counsel protections for spousal support terms. Starting months ahead gives you room.
General information about California law as of November 2026, summarized from the guide. It is not legal advice, and laws can change.
Free 88-page guide · Downloadable PDF
Plan for the life you hope to share.
Tell us where to send it. You can open and download the guide right away on the next page.
- California's default rules, and what an agreement can change
- Homes, businesses, family help and legacy, with real-life examples
- Five conversations worth having, plus optional worksheets
General information, not legal advice. Reading or requesting the guide does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Get your free California prenup guide.
About the firm
A California family law firm for the decisions behind marriage.
Baron Family Law, PC has offices in Sacramento and Beverly Hills and helps families across California. The Signature Union™ is our guide for couples planning to marry, published so both partners can understand their choices before anyone is asked to sign.
Baron Family Law represents only the partner who retains the firm. Under firm policy, we don't finalize a premarital agreement or take it to signing unless each partner has their own independent attorney.
Sacramento, CA 95825
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Reviewed by Alexandra Baron. Responsible attorney: Alexandra Baron. Published by Baron Family Law, PC. November 2026 edition.
Common questions
Questions couples ask about prenups.
Short answers drawn from the guide's Questions Worth Asking section. The guide goes deeper on each one.
Does asking for a prenup mean we don't trust each other?
Not necessarily. Couples plan for insurance, retirement and a home without expecting something bad to happen. A thoughtful agreement can be another way to talk through expectations, as long as each person feels free to ask questions and get their own advice.
Should I get a prenup if we aren't wealthy yet?
Many major financial events happen after the wedding: a home, career growth, a business, investments and retirement savings. The question isn't how much you have today, but which choices you would rather make on purpose.
Why do we each need our own attorney?
Independent lawyers give each partner confidential advice. California adds special counsel protections for spousal support terms. Our firm only finalizes an agreement when each partner has their own attorney.
How early should we start?
Months ahead, when possible. California has a review period for the final agreement, but that alone doesn't mean a week is enough time. Businesses, trusts or moves can take longer, so it helps to reach out early.
How do I get a prenup in California?
Usually it starts with a conversation about your goals and your legal marriage date. Then comes financial disclosure, independent advice for each partner, drafting and revisions, a review period for the final version, and signing before the wedding. The guide walks through each stage.
How much does a prenup cost?
It depends on the scope: whether you need an agreement prepared or a proposed one reviewed, and how complex your finances are. The guide lists questions to ask about fees and scope, and our team can explain fees for your situation.
What should we include in a prenup?
Within legal limits, couples may address property owned before marriage, earnings and future acquisitions, a home, a business, family gifts and, with independent advice, spousal support. Child support and custody can't be decided in advance.
Is an online agreement enough?
An agreement isn't invalid just because it started online, and paying more doesn't guarantee enforceability. What matters is whether your real facts, disclosures and signing process are properly addressed. No lawyer can promise a future challenge will fail.
Is the guide free? Is it legal advice?
The guide is free. It's general information about California law, not legal advice, and reading it doesn't create an attorney-client relationship.
Why do you ask for my phone number?
Phone is optional. If you share it and check the box saying that's OK, our team can contact you about your guide. If you don't check it, we won't call.
Will I get other emails?
You'll get the guide by email. We won't add you to our newsletter unless you check that box, and you can unsubscribe any time.
Can I talk to someone now?
Yes. Call 916-350-4655 or book a time online.
A thoughtful beginning