Sc Case Law Premarital Agreement

Premarital agreements, also known as prenuptial agreements, are legal agreements made between two parties before they enter into a marriage. These agreements outline the division of assets and liabilities in the event that the marriage ends in divorce or death. In South Carolina, premarital agreements are governed by state law and there are several important SC case law decisions that have helped to shape the legal landscape surrounding these agreements.

One of the most significant SC case law decisions related to premarital agreements is the Blumberg v. Neal decision, which was handed down by the South Carolina Supreme Court in 1993. In this case, the court ruled that a premarital agreement can be set aside if it is found to be unconscionable. This means that the agreement must be fair and reasonable at the time it was signed, and that the terms must not be overly one-sided or oppressive.

Another important SC case law decision related to premarital agreements is the Fisher v. Tucker decision, which was handed down by the South Carolina Court of Appeals in 2000. In this case, the court ruled that a premarital agreement can be set aside if it is found to be entered into under duress or coercion. This means that the agreement must be entered into willingly and voluntarily by both parties, without any undue pressure or influence.

The Brown v. Brown decision, handed down by the South Carolina Supreme Court in 2004, further clarified the requirements for a valid premarital agreement. In this case, the court ruled that both parties must fully disclose all of their assets and liabilities prior to signing the agreement. This means that each party must be aware of the other party’s financial situation and the terms of the agreement must be based on accurate and complete information.

In order to ensure that a premarital agreement is valid and enforceable in South Carolina, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney who is knowledgeable about the state’s laws and any relevant SC case law decisions. A skilled attorney can help you draft a comprehensive agreement that meets all of the legal requirements and protects your interests in the event of a divorce or other event that may end your marriage.

In conclusion, premarital agreements are an important tool for couples to use to protect their assets and liabilities in the event of a divorce or other event that may end their marriage. However, these agreements must be carefully drafted and executed in accordance with South Carolina law and any relevant SC case law decisions. By working with an experienced attorney, couples can ensure that their premarital agreement meets all of the legal requirements and provides them with the protection they need.