Prenuptial Agreement Attorney in DuPage and Cook County, Illinois
Planning a wedding is an exciting time, but it also brings important financial and legal decisions that deserve careful attention. A prenuptial agreement allows couples to start their marriage with clarity, honesty, and peace of mind. At Kulerski & Cornelison, attorney Kari Cornelison helps clients throughout DuPage County and Cook County create thoughtful and enforceable prenuptial agreements that protect their assets, clarify expectations, and strengthen their relationship. With more than twenty years of experience in Illinois family law, Kari provides calm, practical guidance that helps couples enter marriage with confidence and security.
What Is a Prenuptial Agreement in Illinois
A prenuptial agreement, often called a “prenup” or “premarital agreement,” is a written contract signed by two people before they get married. It defines each spouse’s rights and responsibilities regarding property, assets, and debts in the event of divorce or death.
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In Illinois, prenuptial agreements are governed by the Illinois Uniform Premarital Agreement Act. A valid agreement must be in writing, signed voluntarily by both parties, and supported by full financial disclosure. The agreement can address how marital property will be divided, whether spousal maintenance will be paid, and what happens to certain assets such as real estate, savings, or family-owned businesses.
While no one expects to get divorced, a well-drafted prenup can prevent future misunderstandings, simplify complex financial issues, and protect both parties’ interests. It allows couples to make important financial decisions together rather than leaving them to the courts later.
Why You Should Consider a Prenup
There are many reasons why couples choose to sign a prenuptial agreement before marriage. Some want to protect assets accumulated before marriage, while others want to define how future earnings or inheritances will be treated.
A prenup can be especially useful if one or both partners own a business, have children from a prior marriage, or plan to receive family property or investments in the future. It can also help safeguard one spouse from the other’s existing debts or clarify responsibilities for shared expenses.
Even couples with modest assets benefit from having a clear financial plan in place. A prenup is not just about protecting wealth; it’s about creating mutual understanding and setting expectations that make a marriage stronger.
The Prenuptial Agreement Process in DuPage and Cook County
The process of creating a prenuptial agreement is straightforward but requires attention to detail and proper legal guidance. At Kulerski & Cornelison, Kari Cornelison begins with a consultation to understand your goals, review your financial situation, and identify any special considerations such as business ownership, real estate, or retirement accounts.
Once both parties agree to move forward, each spouse must fully disclose all assets, liabilities, and sources of income. Kari then drafts the agreement to reflect your intentions, while ensuring it complies with Illinois law. Both parties are encouraged to have independent legal representation to ensure fairness and protect the validity of the agreement.
When finalized, the agreement is signed before the marriage ceremony takes place. This timing is important because signing too close to the wedding date can raise questions about pressure or lack of time to review the terms. Kari makes sure the process is efficient, transparent, and respectful of both partners’ schedules and comfort levels.
What a Prenuptial Agreement Can Cover
Prenuptial agreements can cover a wide range of financial topics. In Illinois, the most common include:
- Division of marital and non-marital property
- Ownership and management of businesses or investments
- Spousal maintenance (alimony) rights and obligations
- Responsibility for debts acquired before or during the marriage
- Inheritance rights and estate planning matters
- Life insurance or trust arrangements
What a prenup cannot do is determine issues related to child custody or child support. Those matters must always be decided based on the best interests of the child and cannot be waived or predetermined in an agreement.
Benefits of Working with a Local Prenup Attorney
Every county court in Illinois may interpret or enforce prenuptial agreements slightly differently. Working with a local attorney who regularly practices in DuPage and Cook County ensures that your agreement is prepared with local rules and expectations in mind.
Kari Cornelison brings two decades of experience to every client she serves. She knows how local judges evaluate prenuptial agreements, what language ensures enforceability, and how to structure provisions that stand up under Illinois law. Her goal is to protect your rights while creating an agreement that feels fair to both sides.
Kari’s clients often appreciate her ability to make the process less intimidating. She explains each section of the agreement in plain language and helps couples identify practical solutions to potential challenges before they become problems.
Postnuptial Agreements and Updates to Existing Prenups
If you are already married and did not sign a prenuptial agreement, you can still establish financial boundaries and protections through a postnuptial agreement. A postnup serves a similar purpose, but it is executed after the marriage has begun.
Postnuptial agreements are often used when couples experience major life changes such as starting a business, receiving an inheritance, or purchasing property together. Kari Cornelison can help determine whether updating an existing agreement or creating a new one is appropriate for your circumstances.
In some cases, couples revisit and revise their prenuptial agreements years after marriage to reflect new financial realities or family needs. Having a trusted family law attorney ensures that these updates remain valid and enforceable under current Illinois law.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
A poorly drafted or incomplete prenuptial agreement can cause more problems than it solves. Common mistakes include failing to disclose all assets, waiting until the last minute to sign, or using generic online templates that do not comply with Illinois law. These errors can make an agreement unenforceable in court.
By working with an experienced family law attorney like Kari Cornelison, you can avoid these pitfalls. She ensures that both parties understand the terms and that the document meets all legal requirements, giving you confidence that the agreement will be upheld if ever needed.
Why Choose Kulerski & Cornelison
Kari Cornelison has spent her entire legal career focused on family law. From her office in Oak Brook, she serves clients across DuPage County, Cook County, and nearby suburbs including Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Wheaton, and Naperville.
Her philosophy is simple: approach family law with empathy, honesty, and practicality. She believes that protecting your future should not be stressful or adversarial. Whether you are preparing for marriage or revising an existing agreement, Kari provides the knowledge and clarity you need to make informed decisions.
Contact an Experienced Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer
If you are planning to get married in Illinois and want to discuss how a prenuptial agreement can protect you and your partner, contact Kulerski & Cornelison today. Attorney Kari Cornelison will explain your options, outline the process, and help you create an agreement that reflects your relationship and your future goals.
Schedule a confidential consultation at the firm’s Oak Brook office to learn how a customized prenuptial agreement can give you peace of mind and a stronger foundation for marriage.