Do You Need a Prenup in West Virginia or Pennsylvania? Here’s What to Know
When couples are planning a wedding, the last thing they usually want to talk about is a prenup. But prenuptial agreements—also called “premarital agreements”—are not about planning for divorce. They are about protecting your future, your family, and the assets you’ve worked hard to build.
At The Skeen Firm, we help professionals, business owners, and families in West Virginia and Pennsylvania create prenups that fit their needs and comply with state law. If you are thinking about a prenup, here’s what you should know.
What Is a Prenup?
A prenuptial agreement is a written contract signed before marriage that sets out how certain financial matters will be handled if the marriage ends through divorce or death.
It can cover:
Division of property and assets
Business ownership interests
Inheritance and estate rights
Spousal support or waiver of alimony
Protection from a partner’s debt
Why Consider a Prenup in WV or PA?
Protect family businesses or professional practices – If you own a company, law firm, medical practice, or family business, a prenup can keep ownership stable.
Clarify financial rights and expectations – Prevents future disputes by putting decisions in writing now.
Safeguard children from prior relationships – Ensures assets go to your children as intended.
Reduce litigation stress – A clear prenup can minimize costly court battles later.
Prenups in West Virginia
West Virginia courts will generally enforce a prenup if:
It was entered into voluntarily.
Both parties fully disclosed their assets and debts.
The agreement is not unconscionable (grossly unfair).
Prenups here can be especially important for families with property, farms, or businesses passed down through generations.
Prenups in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law also enforces prenups if they are entered into voluntarily and with full disclosure. A unique aspect of PA law is its approach to “fairness”: as long as the agreement was knowingly signed, the court usually upholds it—even if it feels one-sided later.
Do You Really Need a Lawyer for a Prenup?
Yes. To protect both partners and ensure the document will hold up in court, each person should have their own attorney review the agreement. At The Skeen Firm, we work with clients in Southwestern Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia to draft, negotiate, and finalize strong prenups.
The Bottom Line
A prenup isn’t about mistrust—it’s about planning wisely. Whether you are a business owner, a professional with significant income, or simply want to protect your family’s future, a prenup can give you peace of mind.
Contact The Skeen Firm today to schedule a Discovery Call and learn how we can help protect what matters most to you in PA and WV.
*Disclaimer: The advice provided is for informational purposes and is not intended as legal advice. It should not be relied on, nor construed as creating an attorney-client relationship.