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Postnuptial Agreements

Put important decisions in writing with a clear, practical agreement.
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When circumstances change, clarity can help.

A postnuptial agreement can be a useful tool when spouses want to set clear expectations after marriage. Sometimes the need comes from a major financial change, like starting a business, receiving an inheritance, or taking on new investments. Other times it comes from a difficult stretch in the relationship, when both people want a better understanding of how finances, property, or future obligations would be handled. Whatever brings you to the conversation, the goal is often the same: reduce uncertainty and put thoughtful agreements in place before conflict grows. This kind of planning is not about expecting the worst. It is about making informed decisions while communication is still possible.

For many people, the hardest part is knowing where to begin. A postnuptial agreement should be approached carefully, with full attention to financial disclosure, fairness, and the realities of each spouse’s situation. It should reflect the needs of the marriage as it exists today, not just assumptions carried over from the past. This page is designed to help people understand the role a postnuptial agreement can play in a broader family law plan. The focus is on giving you a clear path forward, answering practical questions, and helping you think through what should be addressed before anything is signed. When the details matter, taking the time to get things clear now can prevent much more difficult disputes later.

In some marriages, simply getting the issues on the table can bring a sense of relief. Even when the conversations are sensitive, a structured process can help each spouse understand the practical side of the decisions being made. That includes thinking through what should be protected, what should be shared, and what terms would feel workable if circumstances change again in the future. Taking a careful approach now can support better communication and reduce the chance that uncertainty around money or property continues to add pressure at home.

Important Considerations for
Postnuptial Agreements

Timing matters

It is usually easier to have productive conversations and gather complete financial information before conflict becomes more serious.

Full disclosure is important

A strong agreement depends on both spouses being open about income, assets, debts, and other financial interests.

The agreement should fit your life now

A postnuptial agreement works best when it reflects current circumstances, priorities, and future concerns in a practical way.

Testimonials

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Alin Iancu
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I can’t say enough good things about Brenna Tanzosh. She is an exceptional divorce attorney and an absolute professional. Thanks to her knowledge, efficiency, and strategic approach, my divorce was finalized in less than 45 days, which is something I honestly didn’t think was possible. Brenna was incredibly responsive, detail-oriented, and focused on solutions from day one. She worked seamlessly with opposing counsel to resolve every issue quickly and as favorably as possible, without unnecessary conflict or delays. Her ability to balance firmness with professionalism made the entire process far less stressful than I expected. If you’re looking for a divorce lawyer who is smart, efficient, calm under pressure, and genuinely committed to getting results, Brenna Tanzosh is the one. I’m extremely grateful for her work and would recommend her without hesitation.
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Randal Lishka
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What a team. Brenna and Mary. No BS. I was treated badly by a Law firm before I met them. Wouldn’t hesitate to refer them.
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Regina Malcolm
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Brenna is hands down the best family law attorney you will find in Oregon. She took our upside down case and won. She did not miss any detail and touched on all critical areas during each trial. You will not be disappointed if you choose her to represent you.
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Andre Farci
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I can't thank Brenna and her paralegal, Mary, enough for the outstanding job they did handling my divorce case. From start to finish, they were professional, responsive, and completely on top of every detail. While two different opposing attorneys from two different law firms (one opposing attorney was completely incompetent before she was let go by my ex) consistently missed deadlines/meetings and failed to deliver expected discovery documents on time on numerous occasions, Brenna & Mary stayed focused, organized, and ahead of every call with the opposing attorneys. Brenna & Mary's dedication, expertise, and proactive communication gave me peace of mind during a very long & stressful time. I’m so grateful for their support and highly recommend Brenna to anyone needing strong & dependable legal representation for their divorce.
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Bret Bunke
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Brenna and her staff did an incredible job start to finish. During my divorce, her crew was timely and clarified countless nuances to the process. The rescheduling and other hurdles to the timeline were clearly adjusted and the level of communication was both informative and heartfelt. If you are wondering where to start, this is the place when faced with such a difficult and delicate process. 10/10
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Sparksmom
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Professional and timely. Passionate about her work and your case! At the same time she is sensible and honest. She’s also a great mediator and works really well with other attorneys. “Your in good hands” the judge told me during our trial and truly I feel like I am! Rachel is an incredible legal assistant! Organized, great at listening, encouraging and calming when needed. I would Highly recommend this office!
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Amy Bushlach
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Brenna is the best attorney I've worked with in Family Law. She's sharp and strong, but also compassionate and able to connect on an emotional level. That is very important. Cases involve real lives - not text book examples. Good attorney's offer constructive support and advice - They do not fuel raging fires with lies, manipulation, and intimidation. OC in our case was grossly unprofessional, disrespectful, and deceitful. Brenna handled him like a champ and resolved 11 years of traumatic litigation within 6 months of working with her. I wish I would've had Brenna on my case years ago. If OC had the same integrity and professionalism, the past decade might've been significantly better for everyone involved.
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Justin Boniface
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I contacted Brenna to help me get visitation with my son. During the consultation she spoke with me for over an hour about my situation. I have never had a lawyer genuinely care about a situation or a client the was Brenna did. I recommend Brenna to any parent who is having their rights violated. Hands down the best family Lawyer in Portland. Thank You everyone at Tanzosh Family Law!!!!!

What a postnuptial agreement can help address

A postnuptial agreement can cover a wide range of financial and property issues, depending on the needs of the couple and the goals of the agreement. In some cases, the focus is on protecting separate property or addressing how future growth in assets will be treated. In others, the agreement is meant to create more structure around debt, support expectations, or what would happen if the marriage later ends. The right approach depends on what needs clarity now, what risks should be addressed, and what kind of planning will make future decision making less stressful.

  • Separate and marital property concerns
  • Business interests, investments, and inheritances
  • Responsibility for debt and ongoing expenses
  • How certain financial issues would be handled if the marriage ends
  • Creating a more stable framework during a period of transition

Frequently Asked Questions about
Postnuptial Agreements

  • Why would someone want a postnuptial agreement?

    People choose postnuptial agreements for many reasons, including changes in finances, business ownership, inheritance issues, or simply wanting more clarity about expectations during marriage.

  • Is a postnuptial agreement only for couples having problems?

    No. While some couples explore them during difficult periods, others use them as a planning tool after major life or financial changes.

  • Can a postnuptial agreement help reduce future conflict?

    In many situations, yes. Clear agreements made in advance can reduce uncertainty and make later discussions about property and finances more manageable.

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Want to talk through whether this makes sense?

You do not need to have every detail figured out before reaching out. A conversation can help you understand what to consider and what kind of agreement may fit your situation.

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