A prenuptial agreement may not be the first thing on your mind when you’re planning a wedding, especially with all the excitement of starting a life together. But if one or both of you have received or expect to receive an inheritance, it’s worth talking about how that should be handled. Whether the inheritance is a family home, a trust, or valuable keepsakes, having a clear plan helps avoid confusion later on. At Sapphire Legal Solutions, APC, we focus on marital agreements for couples across California, including Burbank, so these inheritance questions are part of our everyday work.
Working with a prenuptial agreement attorney in Burbank can take a lot of pressure out of those conversations. It is not about preparing for anything to go wrong, it is about getting on the same page before you make a big commitment. A prenup is a legal contract created before marriage that sets out how property and finances will be treated if the marriage ends or a spouse passes away, which is especially helpful when significant inheritance is involved. This guide walks through how inheritance fits into a prenuptial agreement and how you can approach it together.
Understanding What a Prenuptial Agreement Covers
A prenuptial agreement lets you both decide what should happen with your property and finances if your relationship ends down the road. It acts like a roadmap you create together. For couples who expect to stay together, it is still helpful because it clears up how things will work in your daily life or in unexpected situations.
In California, there is a difference between things a couple earns or buys together after marriage (called community property) and things that belong to just one person, like assets owned before the marriage. Inheritance is usually treated as personal property, but that line can get blurry if inherited money is deposited into a joint account or used to buy something together.
That is why inheritance deserves its own section in a prenuptial agreement. Without it, what starts as a family gift could be redefined over time, especially if it blends into your shared assets. Our firm drafts these agreements in line with California law and your specific goals, so what you decide together is reflected clearly in writing.
Talking About Inheritance Before Marriage
Most couples have questions about how to bring up inheritance without making it feel awkward or too serious. But the conversation does not need to be difficult. It can simply be a chance to learn more about what each person values and hopes to protect.
Here are a few situations where this kind of discussion is helpful:
• One person expects to receive an inheritance from parents or grandparents in the future
• Either partner has already received money, property, or family items before the engagement
• Family members on either side have strong opinions about how assets should be handled
If either of you is expecting support from older family members, even if it is not guaranteed, it is worth discussing what types of situations would make you want to keep those things separate.
What You Can Outline About Inheritance
Prenuptial agreements can be as simple or as detailed as you need. When talking about inheritance, couples often choose to include a few clear points so there is no confusion later. You can talk through what feels right and put it into writing together.
Here are things many couples cover:
• Listing which items or properties are considered inheritance, even if received later
• Saying whether money from inheritance should stay in separate accounts
• Adding language about family heirlooms, gifts, or future trusts
Setting this out early avoids questions like whether buying a house together with inherited money makes the property shared. It also helps reduce future stress if emotions run high or family expectations get involved.
Making It Clear and Fair for Both People
We have worked with plenty of couples who want things to feel fair, not one-sided. That is a healthy approach. Even if one person has more inheritance, or is expecting to receive it, it still matters that both voices are included. When both partners feel heard, the agreement becomes something you are building together, not a protection plan dictated by only one person.
Here is why that clarity matters:
• Both people should feel part of the decisions and process
• Simple, direct wording avoids confusion that could come up later
• A neutral prenuptial agreement attorney can help both sides understand the full picture
Some couples even review the agreement together after it is drafted, adding more notes or questions as part of the ongoing conversation.
When It Is Time to Put It Together
The best time to start talking about a prenuptial agreement is when you are still in the early stages of wedding planning. It might feel like you have plenty of time, but the process works better when it is not rushed. This gives both of you space to talk, reflect, and make choices you feel good about.
Here is how to think about timing:
• Start the conversation when you are discussing wedding planning, not just before the big day
• Consider working with someone who can stay neutral and focus on writing the document clearly
• Plan to revisit the agreement if anything changes, like receiving new inheritance or family gifts
This makes the agreement feel more like part of your overall marriage plan, instead of a one-time checklist item.
Planning for a Stronger Future Together
Taking time to plan how inheritance is handled does not take away from the meaning of your commitment. In fact, it often brings couples closer because they have talked through life’s trickier topics with honesty. That kind of awareness helps build trust.
Clear agreements can make your life easier. Instead of worrying about what is shared and what is not, you both know where you stand. And if that inheritance ever arrives, there is already a plan in place, leaving more energy for things that matter, like building your life together.
Planning your future together in Burbank does not have to be stressful, especially when it comes to important topics like inheritance and protecting personal or family property. Having open conversations before marriage can actually strengthen your relationship and help set clear expectations. Working with a prenuptial agreement attorney means you both can feel confident about how things will be handled from the start. At Sapphire Legal Solutions, we help couples create fair and thoughtful plans, so reach out when you are ready to take that next step.