NJSBA Family Law Section

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  • 1.  Prenups

    Posted 06-30-2013 10:56 AM
    Odd request I know, but I have client who wants an infidelity clause in his prenup.  Does anyone have any language they could share?  Not even sure it would hold up but he and fiance at least want to consider it.  TIA

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    Jennifer Armstrong Esq.
    Brick NJ
    (732)281-6000

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  • 2.  RE:Prenups

    Posted 06-30-2013 12:06 PM
    You can put ne in, if they want one. You should ask that they come up with the language themselves. You should tell your client, and document the communication, that this sort of clause is not supported by NJ Law. Thanks.
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    Curtis Romanowski Esq.
    Senior Attorney - Proprietor
    Brielle NJ
    (732)603-8585

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  • 3.  RE:Prenups

    Posted 06-30-2013 12:42 PM
    They want a clause promising no infidelity? That's fine, but it should clearly indicate that the promise, while hearfelt, has no legal or enforceable meaning. Otherwise, there is at least a risk that someone will be on the receiving end of a 19th century Heart Balm cause of action. No reason to invite problems. Hanan ------------------------------------------- Hanan Isaacs Esq. Kingston NJ (609)683-7400 -------------------------------------------


  • 4.  RE:Prenups

    Posted 06-30-2013 03:19 PM
    The reason I suggested that they come up with their own language, but inform your client verbally and in writing (with the writing acknowledged by the client in writing) that the clause is entirely unenforceable, is as a possible deterrent. Personally, I think the whole idea is utterly ridiculous. However, if the parties want the clause, there is certainly no point whatsoever in including it, then footnoting it in the agreement with "1. lol... just kidding." It's like stating in a MSA that the party-parents agree that, as long as they share parenting, they will never move more than 10 miles apart. Some clients also want ante-nuptial agreements drafted; also largely unenforceable in NJ. The same approach should be employed, with the separate memorandum between you and your client, acknowledging that under current NJ law, the agreement is unenforceable. IMO.

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    Curtis Romanowski Esq.
    Senior Attorney - Proprietor
    Brielle NJ
    (732)603-8585 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (732)603-8585 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting

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  • 5.  RE:Prenups

    Posted 06-30-2013 04:30 PM
    It's not "LOL just kidding". Rather, it's language they want included that everyone understands is, to use the old fashioned word, "hortatory". We ask people to behave a certsin way, yet they and we know it is unenforceable. ------------------------------------------- Hanan Isaacs Esq. Kingston NJ (609)683-7400 -------------------------------------------


  • 6.  RE:Prenups

    Posted 06-30-2013 04:45 PM

    P.S.  Curt,  "Ante-nuptial" and "prenuptial" are synonymous.  I think you meant to say something about "mid-marriage agreements".
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    Hanan Isaacs Esq.
    Kingston NJ
    (609)683-7400

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  • 7.  RE:Prenups

    Posted 07-01-2013 09:30 AM
    Interesting topic.  I am actually finalizing a memo outlining the terms of a Pre Marital Agreement for a former NJ matrimonial client of mine.  The client is now residing in NYC.  We discussed this very issue, and I advised it would be practicably impossible to enforce such a clause.  While I am admitted in NY, I have not practiced there in over 20 years.  I am now at the point of drafting the Agreement and would like to team up with a NYC attorney to make sure I have covered everything in the drafting of the final document.  Does anyone practice in this area in New York as well, or have a referral to NYC attorney. 

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    Barbara Feinberg Esq.
    Rockaway NJ
    (973)586-0707

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