What Is the UPAA (Uniform Premarital Agreements Act)? A Quick Guide

Prenups aren’t just for the ultra-wealthy or tabloid headlines. They’re a practical way to have honest conversations about the future, especially when laws around them can change depending on where you live.

In the US, family law isn’t universal; it’s shaped by each state.

To make things a bit consistent, two model laws were introduced: the Uniform Premarital Agreements Act (UPAA) and its more recent cousin, the Uniform Premarital and Marital Agreements Act (UPMAA).

These frameworks help couples structure their agreements with more predictability and consistency, where states adopt them.

Understanding these laws helps you create an agreement that reflects your values and stands up to future changes. With Neptune’s guidance, the process feels approachable and focused on what matters most: your relationship and shared goals.

What Is the Uniform Premarital Agreements Act?

The UPAA was drafted by the Uniform Law Commission (ULC) in 1983 to create one consistent framework for prenuptial agreements.

Before this act, prenups were complicated: one state could enforce an agreement differently from another state, creating uncertainty for couples who moved or had assets across state lines. The UPAA addressed this by establishing clear rules for creating and enforcing prenups.

From UPAA to UPMAA: Why the Upgrade?

Over time, family and financial arrangements became more complex, revealing gaps in the UPAA. For instance, it only covered premarital agreements, leaving postmarital agreements (signed after marriage) unaddressed.

To adapt to times, the Uniform Law Commission introduced the Uniform Premarital and Marital Agreements Act (UPMAA) in 2012. This update expanded coverage to include postmarital agreements and modernized language to reflect today’s financial realities better.

Today, 28 states and the District of Columbia have adopted some version of the UPAA/UPMAA.

At Neptune, we guide couples through these evolving legal frameworks so your prenups remain relevant whether you’re signing before marriage or adjusting plans later.

Which States Follow the UPAA (or UPMAA)?

Many states still follow the original UPAA, while others have moved to the UPMAA. This means your agreement could be interpreted slightly differently if you move to another state.

For example, states like California, Florida, and Texas have incorporated UPAA principles into their family law systems, while others rely on unique statutes and case law.

If you’re planning to move or own property in multiple states, it’s wise to ask an attorney experienced in UPAA or UPMAA family law for guidance. They can ensure your agreement is drafted in a way that holds up wherever life takes you.

What Do These UPAA Acts Cover?

Both the UPAA and UPMAA provide guidelines for creating and enforcing agreements, including:

• Voluntary agreement: Both partners must sign willingly, without pressure.
• Full financial disclosure: Each partner shares their assets and debts, or formally waives that right.
• Fair and reasonable terms: Agreements must be fair when signed and cannot leave one partner at a severe disadvantage.
• Timing and execution: Prenups must be signed before marriage, and postmarital agreements (covered under UPMAA) after marriage.
• What can be included: Agreements can address property division, spousal support, and financial decision-making, but cannot predetermine child custody or support.

With Neptune, we help you move through these requirements step by step, with practical guidance and real-life support.

Why Does the UPAA Matter? (A Practical Example)

Let’s say you and your partner create a prenuptial agreement in Colorado, which follows the UPMAA. Two years later, you move to Arizona, which also uses the UPMAA framework. Because both states follow the same rules, your prenup is far more likely to be honored without legal challenges.

On the other hand, if you created your prenup in a state following the older UPAA and then moved to a UPMAA state, slight differences in requirements (like timing or disclosure standards) might come up. 

That’s why Neptune takes a future-focused approach. We help couples not just create an agreement for today but also think about how that agreement might hold up across states, over time, and during life transitions.

How Neptune Supports Couples with Prenuptial Agreements

The UPAA and UPMAA were designed to simplify family law and give couples more confidence when planning together. But understanding legal frameworks on your own can feel overwhelming.

Neptune eases the process by:

• Explaining which framework applies in your state.
• Helping draft or review agreements for clarity and fairness.
• Connecting you with attorneys who understand both local and uniform laws.
• Keeping the focus on your shared vision, not just legal requirements.

For Neptune, a prenup is a way to strengthen trust and create a shared plan for your future.

UPAA or UMPAA, Neptune Has You Covered

The UPAA and UPMAA bring clarity and consistency to prenuptial and postmarital agreements. While not every state follows them, they provide a valuable foundation for couples planning their financial future.

At Neptune, we help you turn these legal frameworks into something personal and practical. We also ensure your agreement is emotionally aligned, with each partner feeling seen, heard, and supported. Whether you’re just starting the conversation or ready to draft something meaningful, we’ll help you shape a prenup that reflects who you are together.

Thinking about how the UPAA affects your own prenup plans? Start the conversation with Neptune today and connect with the right lawyers.