California Postnuptial Agreement Lawyer

Published by Prenup950 · Updated September 10, 2026.
Legal services by U2U Law Professional Corporation. Meet Nazli Usaklioglu, Esq. · California Bar #354792.

When might a postnup be useful?

Marriage can bring new assets, new responsibilities and new questions. A postnup conversation may be helpful when you buy a home, build a business, receive an inheritance or want a clearer understanding of property ownership.

It begins with what you already own, the rights each spouse already has and what you would like to change. Your attorney can assess whether an agreement is appropriate for those goals.

Why is a postnup different from a prenup?

A prenup is signed before marriage and takes effect when you marry. A postnup is negotiated within an existing marriage. California spouses owe each other fiduciary duties, including good faith and fair dealing, and must not take unfair advantage of one another. See Family Code § 721.

Changing the legal character of property—for example, from one spouse’s separate property to community property—can require an express written declaration by the spouse whose interest is adversely affected. See Family Code § 852. Careful drafting and individual advice matter; a document’s title alone does not establish that it meets the law.

Read our prenup and postnup comparison for the basic differences.

How does the process begin?

1. Call about your goals. Explain that you are already married and what you want the agreement to address. A virtual consultation option is available.
2. Organize the relevant information. Identify assets, debts, existing agreements and proposed changes. The attorney will explain which records are needed.
3. Confirm representation and scope. We assess the matter and confirm fees in a written engagement agreement before work begins.
4. Draft and review carefully. If accepted, your attorney prepares the agreement within the agreed scope and addresses the review and signing process. Your spouse should seek independent advice.

What should you have ready?

Our financial document checklist can help you organize the records for the attorney to review.

• Your marriage date and the main goals for the agreement.
• Any existing prenup, postnup or related property agreement.
• A summary of homes, accounts, business interests and debts.
• Details of the property ownership changes you are considering.

Wait for the team’s sharing instructions before sending sensitive financial records.

Does the $950 prenup fee apply?

Yes. Our postnup package is also $950 for one client. Your written engagement agreement confirms the included services. Work outside the agreed scope is quoted separately.

Speak with a California attorney.

Meet Nazli Usaklioglu, Esq., California Bar #354792. Our Newport Beach office serves California matters, with office visits by appointment and a virtual option.

Office details and directions

General information, not legal advice. Your attorney will assess the requirements for your circumstances.