Mother & Daughter Legal Team
Postnuptial Agreements
With 70 years of combined experience, you can trust that your case is in good hands.
Torrance Postnuptial Agreement Attorneys
South Bay Family Law, Exclusively, Since 1977
At Patricia and Colleen Barberis bring a combined 70 years of experience to every client matter, and the firm has been rooted in the South Bay since 1977. Torrance couples working with us aren’t handing their postnuptial agreement to a general practice that treats these documents as a side offering. Family law is the only thing we do.
Call Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation, today at (310) 904-6648 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our postnuptial agreement attorneys in Torrance.
Postnuptial Agreements Under California Law
A postnuptial agreement is a legal document that married couples create after the wedding, governing how assets, debts, and potential spousal support would be handled in the event of separation or divorce. Like a prenuptial agreement, it lets spouses define their financial relationship on their own terms rather than leaving those decisions to a court. Postnuptial agreements can also serve a proactive purpose during the marriage, clarifying financial responsibilities and expectations before a dispute ever arises.
What sets postnuptial agreements apart under California law is the fiduciary duty spouses owe each other. Because that duty requires the highest standard of good faith and fair dealing, courts apply closer scrutiny to postnuptial agreements than to prenuptial ones. An agreement that substantially favors one spouse, or that was signed without full disclosure of assets, debts, and income, may be set aside in whole or in part. Both spouses should have independent legal counsel, the agreement must be entered into voluntarily, and complete financial transparency is required for it to hold up. When complex assets are involved, we have the capability to engage forensic accountants so financial disclosure is accurate and complete.
What a Postnuptial Agreement Can Cover
Postnuptial agreements can address a wide range of financial and property matters, tailored to the couple’s specific circumstances. Common provisions include:
Asset Division: Couples can outline how real estate, investments, business interests, and other assets will be divided in the event of divorce or separation.
Debt Allocation: The agreement can specify how debts acquired during the marriage will be divided, so both spouses understand their financial obligations.
Alimony or Spousal Support: Spouses can define whether spousal support will be paid, and establish the terms and duration of that support.
Inheritance: The agreement can clarify whether inheritances received during the marriage remain separate property or become marital assets.
Financial Management: Couples can include provisions governing joint accounts, spending limits, and shared financial goals during the marriage.
Children’s Financial Well-Being: While California courts determine child custody and support separately based on the child’s best interest, a postnuptial agreement can address financial provisions for children from prior relationships.
The decision to create a postnuptial agreement often follows a meaningful change in circumstances. A spouse may have missed the window for a prenuptial agreement before the wedding. One partner may have launched a business that introduces assets requiring protection. A significant shift in household finances, concerns about a spouse’s spending patterns, or the receipt of an inheritance can all prompt the conversation. In high-asset situations, clarifying what constitutes separate property versus community property under California law can reduce conflict and litigation costs if divorce ever occurs.
For the agreement to be enforceable, it must meet California’s legal standards. Both spouses must fully disclose their financial picture. Each should have independent legal counsel reviewing the terms. And the agreement can’t be unconscionable or signed under duress. We guide clients through each of these requirements, from initial disclosure through final execution, so the finished document reflects each spouse’s informed and voluntary agreement.
Postnuptial Agreement Attorneys Serving Torrance
Patricia and Colleen Barberis represent clients at the Torrance Courthouse, the Los Angeles Superior Court Southwest District, and have done so throughout their decades of South Bay practice. When you work with our firm on a postnuptial agreement, you’re working directly with attorneys who know California community property law, understand how local courts scrutinize these agreements, and have the experience to draft a document designed for durability.
Our firm holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a Superb rating on Avvo, reflecting a long record of client communication and professional conduct. We tailor legal strategy to each client’s immediate needs and long-term goals, and we bring that same attentiveness to postnuptial agreement work that we bring to every matter in our practice.
I couldn't have chosen a better law team to represent my family and me. Everyone in the office treats us with love and care, ensuring that I understand everything that is happening. You are a wonderful, loyal person, and you are also an excellent, caring, and highly professional lawyer. Words cannot express how grateful I am for all you have done. I did not want the day to pass without thanking you again for your work today.
Mikki D.
“I thank them for their excellence”
Pat, Colleen, and the team helped me through a very difficult custody issue many years ago, so I called them again when I needed to divorce. I thank them for their excellence, efficiency, and a successful settlement!
Shireen C.
“Colleen was by my side”
Divorce can be very difficult, expensive and stressful. You need someone to talk to that could lead you in the right direction when you’re ready. Colleen was the right person to do that. She and Pat Barberis are the team that made me feel protected when I was the most vulnerable early in the divorce process. They were patient with me and Colleen was by my side in court when I really needed in person representation before the court.
C.D.
“I would strongly recommend Pat”
Pat helped me with my divorce, which was a difficult time for me. She was fantastic, helping me through the whole process. She worked very hard to ensure it was as positive an outcome for me as possible.
When I turned to her for some legal advice just recently, several years after my divorce, I was able to set up a consultation with her that same day. She worked through the situation with me, understanding it and providing me with options that could be pursued, and giving me very solid advice. I would never hesitate to engage her again if the need arose. I would strongly recommend Pat for any family law needs you might have.
Joseph R.
“Pat Barberis is fabulous!”
Pat helped me with my divorce previously, which was a very difficult time for me. She was fantastic, helping me through the whole process. She worked very hard to ensure it was as positive an outcome for me as possible. When I turned to her for some legal advice just recently, several years after my divorce, I was able to set up a consultation with her that same day. She worked through the situation with me, understanding the it and providing me with options that could be pursued, and giving me very solid advice. I would never hesitate to engage her again if the need arose. I would strongly recommend Pat for any family law needs you might have.
Joe
“Thank you so much”
Pat did a phenomenal job throughout my high conflict divorce. She will communicate all your options to you, she will advocate for you and fight for you, and she is so knowledgeable--her amount of expertise will put your mind at ease. She would be so prompt with all communications that if I ever had a question she would even respond to me after hours or on the weekends if needed (which I was super impressed with and it was much appreciated). Her team (which includes Colleen Barberis) and all of the office staff were incredible throughout the divorce and I will be forever grateful to them for getting me to the finish line with this divorce. I walked away with an incredible settlement and had a great outcome because of all their hard work. Thank you so much Pat, Colleen, and office staff!!
Liz L
“I would recommend them to everyone.”
Patricia and Colleen and their helpful office staff were a full service team who helped support me and get me through my family court battles. They were quick to respond and helpful. I would recommend them to everyone.
Sarah T.
“They are wonderful people and are extremely knowledgeable.”
I have had the best representation and experience with the law team of Patricia Barberis. I have had the pleasure of using them twice. They do a great job. Patricia Colleen and everyone in the office is super helpful and very talented in what they do. Their understanding of family law is amazing. Patricia and her team were very kind and patient with me in difficult times and circumstances. The last one was during the Pandemic late last year and they did an A+ job. Patricia’s guidance was super helpful and her paralegal Nancy did a fantastic job too. I highly recommend Patricia Barberis Law Firm for all family law matters. They are wonderful people and are extremely knowledgeable.
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