Marriage Contracts
A couple who plans to marry and live in Louisiana that may not want to be governed by the community property system provided by Louisiana law should have a written marriage contract before the wedding. This will set out how they want their property owned and controlled.
Remember
1
Property rights are changed by law when you get married
2
The community property law will apply to you unless you make a special marriage contract
3
You can make a marriage contract after you are married, but it may have to be approved by a judge to be legal
4
​If you were married outside of Louisiana, your property rights change when you move here. You are given 1 year from the date you moved to make a marriage contract without needing a judge's approval
5
The marriage contract must be signed by a Notary Public and 2 witnesses or executed by private signature duly acknowledged
6
It is advised to see a lawyer so that you know how the taxes on your property & the inheritance of your property may be changed by your marriage