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Neither antenuptial (before marriage) nor postnuptial (after marriage)
agreements should be relied upon for the purpose of eliminating the marital
rights of spouses not joining in the execution of the real estate instruments.
Frequently these agreements are judicially attacked, and also too
frequently, end up being declared void, without any legal effect, and with the
marital rights of the parties still outstanding.
Misrepresentation and
violation of public policy have been the main arguments raised against their
legality.
In Texas the specific joinder of both spouses in the
execution of the proposed agreement is required.
If this is
not possible, a quitclaim deed, containing an appropriate recital as to its
purpose, must be executed by the nonjoinder spouse in order to waive or
relinquish marital rights in the premises in question. This instrument must be
filed for record in the county or counties where the land is
located.