postnuptial agreement
postnuptial agreement (pohst-n[schwa]p-sh[schwa]l). An agreement entered into during marriage to define each spouse’s property rights in the event of death or divorce. • The term commonly refers to an agreement between spouses during the marriage at a time when separation or divorce is not imminent. When dissolution is intended as the result, it is more properly called a property settlement or marital agreement. — Often shortened to postnup. — Also termed postnuptial settlement. Cf. PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT. [Cases: Husband and Wife 30–31.]