Definition

Noun: A formal legal or financial arrangement made between two people before or upon their marriage, typically to define the distribution of property and assets in the event of divorce or death. It is a type of prenuptial agreement.

Usage

A "marriage settlement" is a specific legal document. It is used in formal contexts related to law, finance, and family matters. - It is often established to protect family wealth, clarify financial rights, or manage assets brought into the marriage. - The term is more common in historical or certain Commonwealth legal contexts, though "prenuptial agreement" is a more widely used modern synonym.

Examples

• The couple signed a marriage settlement to ensure her family's estate remained under her control.
• His lawyers advised drafting a detailed marriage settlement before the wedding.
• The court reviewed the marriage settlement to determine the division of the marital property.

Advanced Usage

• "To draw up a marriage settlement": To prepare or create the legal document.
  • Their families met with solicitors to draw up a marriage settlement.
• "To be bound by a marriage settlement": To be legally obligated by the terms of the agreement.
  • The inheritance was distributed according to the terms they were bound by in the marriage settlement.

Variants and Related Words

• Prenuptial agreement (noun): A more common modern term for a contract made before marriage.
• Antenuptial agreement (noun): A formal synonym for a prenuptial agreement.
• Postnuptial agreement (noun): A similar contract made after marriage.

Synonyms

• Prenuptial agreement
• Antenuptial contract
• Marriage contract

Notes on Meaning

While "marriage settlement" specifically refers to the contractual agreement, it is distinct from: - Divorce settlement: An agreement made during or after divorce proceedings. - Settlement (general): A resolution of a dispute or the act of settling.

Related Phrases

• Terms of the settlement: Refers to the specific conditions within the marriage settlement document.
  • The terms of the settlement stipulated that the house would remain hers.

Noun

1. a prenuptial agreement or contract