Mother & Daughter Legal Team
Prenuptial Agreement
With 70 years of combined experience, you can trust that your case is in good hands.
Prenuptial Agreement Attorney in Long Beach
Start Your Marriage in California With Confidence
Getting married brings excitement and hope for the future, but it can also raise important questions about planning ahead. Many couples in Long Beach look for ways to balance trust and openness with the desire to protect their finances. At Patricia Barberis, A Law Corporation, we help individuals and couples create prenuptial agreements that respect both relationships and assets.
Our prenuptial agreements lawyers in Long Beach have supported families and individuals throughout the South Bay as they prepare for marriage. Our approach makes clarity, privacy, and communication top priorities so every client feels informed and empowered throughout each stage of the process. With over 70 years of combined experience in family law, our mother-daughter attorney team brings a deep level of knowledge that comes only from decades of serving the community and staying connected to what local families need.
Protecting Your Future: The Value of a Prenuptial Agreement in Long Beach
Planning a prenuptial agreement is not about expecting the worst. It is about building a secure foundation for your partnership. Couples in Long Beach use prenuptial agreements for many reasons, such as protecting family businesses, real estate, or ensuring the well-being of children from previous marriages. We understand that starting this conversation can feel sensitive, and our team works to make it as comfortable and constructive as possible.
California law gives couples the flexibility to create marital agreements that fit their lives. In Long Beach, families often have unique histories with property, support obligations, or finances. By working with us, you will have a partner who appreciates these details. We design every agreement to bring clarity and reduce the risk of future disagreements, giving you confidence as you move forward together.
We aim to reflect your values and long-term goals in your agreement, fully aligned with California Family Code requirements. Whether you have a complicated financial picture or particular concerns about privacy or family, you can expect empathy and thoughtful guidance in every conversation with our team.
Why Choose Our Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer in Long Beach
With more than 70 years of combined family law experience, Patricia and Colleen Barberis bring deep local knowledge, trusted credentials, and a uniquely personal approach to every prenuptial agreement. Clients rely on our guidance to protect assets, clarify expectations, and build a strong foundation for marriage.
Exclusive family law focus since 1977, giving you knowledgeable, up-to-date guidance on all California prenup issues.
Mother-daughter legal team providing hands-on attention and thoughtful, customized solutions.
Proven reputation supported by an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a Superb Avvo rating.
Deep roots in Long Beach, offering insight into the local courts, judges, and legal processes.
Strategic protection for assets and blended families, tailored to your goals.
What to Expect: Our Approach to Prenuptial Agreements in Long Beach
The process of creating a prenuptial agreement should be clear, respectful, and efficient. Here is what you can expect during the process:
You will have a confidential initial consultation to share your goals and concerns.
We will review assets, income, debts, and financial obligations together.
Our team helps outline the objectives and terms you want in your agreement.
We draft a legally sound document according to California law, tailored to your situation.
Our attorneys review, revise, and finalize the agreement after making sure both parties understand every term.
You have our support and guidance at each stage.
Whether you are seeking straightforward terms or need help navigating complex issues, our prenuptial agreements attorney in Long Beach provides support every step of the way.
Navigating California and Long Beach Prenuptial Agreements Laws
California’s Uniform Premarital Agreement Act sets the requirements for prenuptial agreements. Our attorneys have many years of experience in the Long Beach legal community and know how the California Family Code and the Los Angeles County Superior Court handle these documents.
Signing a prenuptial agreement in Long Beach requires both parties to disclose financial information, have adequate review time, and sign voluntarily. Independent legal counsel for each partner is strongly recommended. California law may require it for certain provisions. We help set a timeline that fits your wedding plans and ensures the agreement’s enforceability.
Potential issues we help clients avoid include:
Incomplete or inaccurate financial disclosures
Agreements that are signed too close to the wedding date
Provisions that may be found to contradict California law
Lack of independent legal counsel where required
Our local courtroom experience means we know what the Long Beach courthouse may view as enforceable. We use this insight to give you practical, real-world advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my prenuptial agreement be enforceable in California?
A prenuptial agreement is generally enforceable in California if it is voluntary, properly executed, and compliant with the California Family Code. Both parties should disclose all assets and debts, have adequate time to review, and consider having their own attorneys.
How can your team make this process less stressful for couples?
We aim to make the prenuptial agreement process positive and supportive. By fostering open conversations in a confidential setting, we guide couples through sensitive topics with respect and care. Our communication is clear, and we explain each step in simple terms. With experience working with many couples in Long Beach, we have developed ways to help maintain harmony while finding agreement.
What information do I need to prepare before our consultation?
Preparing these items helps make your first consultation productive:
List of all assets, such as property, bank accounts, investments, and retirement plans
Details on debts and legal obligations, including existing support orders
Current income and expected future earnings
Any previous marital agreements
Bringing these details allows us to offer precise advice based on your circumstances in Long Beach.
Do both partners need separate lawyers for a prenup?
California law does not always require each party to have a separate attorney, but independent counsel is strongly recommended and sometimes needed for certain terms to be valid. Independent legal advice protects both partners and helps prevent disputes later. We encourage each party to consider having their own lawyer, and we can refer your partner to attorneys in Long Beach if needed.
Can we include child-related terms in our agreement?
Prenuptial agreements in California may address issues like property division and spousal support, but child support and custody arrangements are generally not binding. Decisions involving children are always determined by the court based on their best interests at the time. We will help you understand what you can and cannot include, and suggest practical strategies that align with current law.
How much does working with your family law team cost?
The cost of creating a prenuptial agreement in Long Beach depends on the complexity of your assets and the level of negotiation involved. We provide a clear estimate during your consultation and make sure you understand all fees up front. Our goal is transparency and providing value that fits your needs and your budget.
How long does it take to finalize a prenuptial agreement in Long Beach?
Most simple prenuptial agreements can be drafted and signed within a few weeks. More complex agreements or those involving extensive negotiations may take longer. We communicate with you regularly so you know where things stand and help you plan, especially if your wedding date is approaching. Starting the process early is usually best.
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.