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Prenuptial Agreements
Prenuptial agreements have evolved into indispensable financial tools, especially as California family courts apply intense scrutiny to complex modern assets like tech equity, digital assets, and cryptocurrency. Under the California Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (Family Code Sections 1610–1617), a valid prenup requires meticulous execution to withstand modern judicial review. Recognized as a 2026 Top Family Law Attorney by the Daily Journal, Susan Scherman leverages over three decades of legal acumen to deliver what clients call a “masterclass” in navigating these regulations. Rather than framing the agreement as preparation for a split, she guides couples to look past immediate logistics, identifying long-term financial opportunities and protecting separate wealth before marriage.
To ensure an agreement is truly bulletproof against future litigation, Susan rigorously enforces the strict procedural mandates of Family Code Section 1615, including the mandatory seven-day waiting period and independent counsel requirements for spousal support waivers. She eliminates the risk of future court challenges by ensuring full, transparent financial disclosure and absolute voluntariness. Acting as a “therapist, lawyer, and wise guide all in one,” Susan’s signature methodology involves breaking down complex contracts section by section. Her clients consistently note that they never feel rushed, leaving the experience with eased fears, a clear understanding of their contractual rights, and a deepened trust with their future spouse.
Postnuptial Agreements
As economics shifts, business ventures, and real estate transitions prompt more married couples to restructure their finances, postnuptial agreements require an extraordinary level of legal precision. Unlike prenups, postnuptial agreements are strictly governed by California Family Code Section 721, which mandates a strict fiduciary duty of the highest good faith and fair dealing between spouses. Because courts automatically presume undue influence if a postnuptial agreement economically favors one spouse over the other, Susan uses her extensive family law expertise to craft legally resilient contracts. She expertly navigates this heightened judicial standard, ensuring that asset reallocations protect individual interests while honoring the marital bond.
A critical hazard in modern postnuptial contracts is the complex transmutation of commingled property under Family Code Sections 850 through 853, where courts routinely invalidate agreements over vague or ambiguous written declarations. Susan’s extensive work history in San Francisco makes her uniquely equipped to handle these sophisticated property divisions, particularly involving volatile investments and corporate holdings. Celebrated for her patient, non-judgmental approach, she methodically guides clients through challenging financial dynamics with absolute transparency. By prioritizing clear communication and strategic problem-solving, Susan helps couples secure legally sound protections that insulate them from future litigation while fostering relationship longevity.
