HomePrenup by StateCalifornia
California Prenuptial Agreement

Online Prenup in California

Create a legally sound California prenuptial agreement online. State-specific document covering community property rules, signing requirements, and Cal. Fam. Code § 1610-1617.

Property System
Community Property
Signing Timeline
7+ days before
Notarization
Recommended
Witnesses
Not required
California’s 7-day rule and counsel requirement

California requires a 7-day waiting period between the final draft and signing (Fam. Code § 1615). If either party wants to waive spousal support, the waiving spouse must have independent legal counsel — or explicitly waive that right in writing. Clause tracks your 7-day window and flags the counsel requirement automatically.

How California Divides Property

California is a community property state. All assets and debts acquired during marriage are owned equally by both spouses — 50/50 regardless of who earned the income or holds the title. Separate property owned before marriage, or received as a gift or inheritance, stays yours only if it’s kept clearly segregated from marital funds. California also extends community property rules to registered domestic partnerships. A prenup can specify additional separate property, clarify how appreciation on pre-marital assets is treated, and modify or waive the default 50/50 division.

How Clause Helps

Your Clause prenup explicitly defines which property is separate and which is marital, overriding California's default 50/50 community property split with terms you both agree on.

California Signing Requirements

Written agreementMust be in writing — verbal prenups are not valid
Clause handles this
Signed by both partiesBoth parties must sign voluntarily before the wedding
Clause handles this
Notarization recommendedNot legally required but strongly advised for court enforceability
Clause handles this
Independent counsel required for support waiverIf either party waives spousal support, that party must have independent legal counsel or waive the right in writing
Clause handles this
Full financial disclosureBoth parties must disclose all assets, debts, and income — incomplete disclosure is the #1 reason prenups are invalidated
Clause handles this
7-day waiting periodFinal draft must be provided at least 7 days before signing — required by Cal. Fam. Code § 1610-1617
Clause handles this
State-specific requirementParty waiving spousal support must have independent counsel or explicitly waive right to counsel in writing (Fam. Code § 1612(c))
Clause handles this
State-specific requirementApplies to registered domestic partnerships
Clause handles this

Key California Case Law

In re Marriage of Pendleton & Fireman (2000)

The California Supreme Court held that a premarital agreement waiving spousal support is enforceable when the waiving party was represented by independent legal counsel at the time of signing. This case confirmed that California’s 7-day waiting period and counsel requirements exist to protect the waiving party’s informed consent.

Clause walks California couples through the 7-day waiting period requirement and flags when independent counsel is needed for a support waiver, reducing the risk of invalidity at enforcement.

Prenup Cost in California

Attorney-drafted prenups typically cost $5,000 to $20,000 combined. Here's how Clause compares:

MethodCostTimelineIncludes
Traditional attorneys (both spouses)
$5,000 – $20,0004–8 weeksDrafting, negotiation, revisions
Single attorney + review
$2,500 – $7,0002–4 weeksOne attorney drafts, other reviews
Clause Essential
$549Same dayAgreement Builder, state-specific document, notarized signing support
Clause ComprehensiveBest Value
$699Same dayEssential + all optional clauses, unlimited revisions
Clause + 1 Attorney Review + Notary
$1,3983–5 daysComprehensive + one attorney review + notarization
Clause + 2 Attorney Reviews + Notary
$2,0973–5 daysComprehensive + both spouses reviewed + notarization

California Prenup FAQ

Yes. California has adopted the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (Cal. Fam. Code § 1610-1617), which sets clear standards for enforcement. Courts uphold prenups that are in writing, signed by both parties with full financial disclosure, and free from fraud, duress, or unconscionable terms.

Related Articles

State Law

California Prenup Laws: What You Need to Know in 2026

8 min read
Legal Basics

Is a Prenup Enforceable in California?

7 min read
Finances

How Much Does a Prenup Cost in California?

6 min read

Ready to create your California prenup?

Start for free.

Starting at $549 · Takes 15–25 minutes