Matrimonial Agreements & Louisiana Law:

Many people use the term “prenuptial agreement” to refer to what the Louisiana Civil Code terms a “matrimonial agreement.”  Use of this term “prenuptial agreement” can be misleading though since a matrimonial agreement can actually be entered into before or after a couple exchanges nuptial vows.

In order to more fully understand matrimonial agreements, it is first necessary to define the legal term “matrimonial regime.”  The Louisiana Civil Code provides that “[a] matrimonial regime is a system of principles governing the ownership and management of the property of married persons as between themselves and towards third persons.”  La. C.C. art. 2325.  “A matrimonial regime may be legal, contractual, or partly legal and partly contractual.”  La. C.C. art. 2326.  

What many lay persons don’t probably know is that the automatic or default matrimonial regime for couples married in Louisiana or who reside in Louisiana is the legal regime (commonly called the community property regime).  The legal regime applies to the majority of couples residing in Louisiana, unless you take specific action in writing before marrying.  Of course, this is where our attorneys can be of much assistance.

“A matrimonial agreement is a contract establishing a regime of separation of property or modifying or terminating the legal regime.”  La. C.C. art. 2328.  Thus, a matrimonial agreement can be utilized by a couple to opt out of the legal regime before marriage, modify the legal regime before or during marriage, or even terminate the legal regime during the marriage.  Court approval is required for spouses to terminate or modify the legal regime during the marriage, as the law requires a finding of knowledge and best interest of both spouses to so modify.

During the first year after moving into and acquiring a domicile in Louisiana, however, spouses may enter into a matrimonial agreement without court approval. 

The Louisiana Civil Code requires very specific form requirements for matrimonial agreements.  As contracts, matrimonial agreements are also governed by the general rules of conventional obligations, under our state’s Civil Code.  Matrimonial agreements that do not comply with the general principles for matrimonial agreements and rules of conventional obligations outlined in the Civil Code can be null and void.  Much care must be taken when drafting and entering into matrimonial agreements to ensure that they are effective.

In summary, a matrimonial agreement can be a very helpful mechanism that can be used to opt out of, alter, or terminate the default community property regime.  The legal concepts and requirements in this area of law are complicated and an attorney should be consulted before entering into a matrimonial agreement or if one has questions about the validity of a matrimonial agreement.

Louisiana Matrimonial Agreement Attorneys:

We are a Gretna law firm that has served the New Orleans area since 1980.  Our experienced matrimonial agreement lawyers are well versed in all matters related to family law including the preparation of separate property agreements.  Our expert team can advise you if a matrimonial agreement is right for you and will prepare the document(s) tailored to your wishes.  We take pride in offering a personal and trusted experience.  Call us today for a free consultation and find out why so many of our clients come back to us.