Bossier City Prenuptial Agreement Attorney

Thoughtful Guidance For Your Prenup Decision

Talking about a prenuptial agreement can feel uncomfortable, even when you and your partner are committed to each other. You may want to protect what you have worked hard for, support children from a prior relationship, or simply avoid conflict in the future, yet you also want to protect the trust you share.

At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we help engaged couples here in Bossier City and nearby Shreveport understand how a prenup fits within Louisiana community property rules. Our family-focused firm walks you through your options so you can make decisions with clarity instead of pressure. We listen first, then explain the law in everyday language.

Founding attorney Ryan Gatti has lived and worked in this region his entire life, and our team is dedicated to helping local families move forward with peace of mind. If you are looking for a prenuptial agreement attorney that Bossier City couples can turn to for careful, compassionate counsel, we are ready to talk with you.

To schedule a consultation with our team, call (318) 633-0186.

What is a Prenuptial Agreement?

A prenuptial agreement—often called a “prenup”—is a legally binding contract entered into by two people before marriage. In Louisiana, prenuptial agreements allow couples to define their financial rights and responsibilities during the marriage and in the event of divorce or death.

Because Louisiana is a community property state, most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are presumed to be jointly owned. A prenuptial agreement gives couples the opportunity to modify or opt out of certain community property rules, provided the agreement meets strict legal requirements.

To be valid under Louisiana law, a prenup generally must:

• Be in writing
• Be signed by both parties before marriage
• Be executed as an authentic act (typically before a notary and witnesses)
• Be entered into voluntarily, without fraud, duress, or coercion

Working with our Bossier City prenuptial agreement lawyer helps ensure your agreement is enforceable and tailored to your situation.

What Can You Include in a Louisiana Prenup?

Louisiana law allows prenuptial agreements to cover a wide range of financial issues. However, there are also important limitations. An attorney can help you understand what is allowed and what should be avoided.

Common provisions in a Louisiana prenuptial agreement include:

Property Classification

Couples can define which assets will remain separate property and which will be treated as community property. This may include:

• Real estate
• Business interests
• Investments and retirement accounts
• Inheritances or gifts

Debt Allocation

A prenup can specify responsibility for existing debts and how future debts will be handled, helping protect one spouse from the other’s financial obligations.

Income and Earnings

You can determine how income earned during the marriage will be classified and managed.

Spousal Support (Alimony)

Louisiana allows prenuptial agreements to address spousal support, including waivers or limitations, as long as the terms are not unconscionable at the time of enforcement.

Estate Planning Considerations

Prenups often work alongside estate plans, clarifying inheritance rights and protecting children from prior relationships.

What You Cannot Include

Under Louisiana law, prenuptial agreements generally cannot:

• Decide on child custody or child support in advance
• Encourage divorce or violate public policy
• Include unfair or illegal terms

Benefits of a Prenuptial Agreement

While prenups are sometimes misunderstood, they offer significant advantages for many couples.

Financial Transparency

The prenup process encourages open and honest discussions about finances, assets, and debts before marriage.

Asset Protection

A prenuptial agreement can protect:

• Businesses you built before marriage
• Family property or inheritances
• Investments and retirement savings

Reduced Conflict

By addressing financial issues in advance, a prenup can minimize disputes if the marriage ends, potentially saving time, money, and emotional stress.

Clarity and Predictability

Clear rules about property and support provide certainty for both spouses, allowing you to plan confidently for the future.

Protection in High-Asset or Second Marriages

Prenups are especially valuable for individuals with significant assets, children from prior relationships, or previous marriages.

At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we believe a well-crafted prenup is not about planning for divorce—it’s about planning responsibly for marriage.

Prenuptial Agreement FAQs

Do prenuptial agreements hold up in Louisiana?

Yes, prenuptial agreements are enforceable in Louisiana if they meet legal requirements and were entered into voluntarily and fairly.

When should we start the prenup process?

It’s best to begin several months before the wedding. Rushing the process close to the wedding date can increase the risk of claims of coercion.

Do both parties need separate attorneys?

While not strictly required, having independent legal counsel for each party is strongly recommended and can help protect the agreement from future challenges.

Can a prenup be changed after marriage?

Yes. After marriage, couples can modify their agreement through a postnuptial agreement, as long as legal formalities are followed.

Is a prenup only for wealthy couples?

No. Prenuptial agreements can benefit couples at many income levels, especially those with debts, businesses, or children from prior relationships.

How We Guide You Through The Process

When you contact our firm, our goal is to make the process feel clear and manageable from the first conversation. We begin with a consultation where we learn about your relationship, your financial picture, and your goals for the marriage. We encourage both partners to share concerns, and we answer questions without legal jargon.

After that first meeting, we typically move into gathering information. This often includes lists of assets and debts, details about any businesses or real estate, and notes about family responsibilities. We explain why full and honest disclosure is important for the strength of any agreement in Louisiana, especially when a court later reviews whether each partner understood what they were signing.

Many couples are worried about timing before the wedding. We generally recommend starting the prenup conversation early, so no one feels rushed as the date approaches. Our role as your prenuptial agreement attorney is to help you understand your options, draft terms that reflect your shared decisions, and leave time for careful review.

To prepare for an initial meeting with our team, you may find it helpful to:

• List your major assets, such as bank accounts, investments, real estate, and business interests
• Gather information about significant debts, including student loans, credit cards, and mortgages
• Think about how you would like to handle income earned during the marriage
• Consider any obligations to children from prior relationships or to older family members

Each partner should have the opportunity to consult their own counsel before signing. We respect that need for independent advice, and we work to create agreements that are balanced and clearly written. Throughout the process, we keep communication open so you always know the next step.

Contact us today to speak with our team.