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In divorce cases, courts strive to ensure that marital agreements and settlements are fair and reasonable. However, when one party claims that an agreement is unconscionable, the court may intervene to determine if the terms are unjust. Unconscionability refers to a situation where an agreement is so one-sided that it shocks the conscience and would be unfair to enforce.
New York courts consider both procedural and substantive unconscionability when evaluating a claim. Understanding how unconscionability is proven can help individuals protect their rights and challenge agreements that may be unfair or the result of undue pressure.
What is Unconscionability in Divorce Cases?
Unconscionability occurs when a divorce settlement, prenuptial agreement, or postnuptial agreement is grossly unfair to one party. Courts generally examine two factors:
- Procedural unconscionability – Looks at the circumstances under which the agreement was signed, including duress, lack of legal representation, or failure to disclose financial assets.
- Substantive unconscionability – Examines whether the agreement’s terms are so unfair that they would leave one spouse in financial distress or extreme disadvantage.
For a court to find an agreement unconscionable, there must be clear evidence of both procedural and substantive unfairness.
Factors Courts Consider When Determining Unconscionability
New York courts assess multiple factors to determine if an agreement is unconscionable, including:
1. Lack of Full Financial Disclosure
- If one spouse did not fully disclose assets, income, or debts, the agreement may be challenged as unfair.
- Courts require that both parties understand the financial implications before signing an agreement.
2. Unequal Bargaining Power
- If one spouse pressured or coerced the other into signing under distress, courts may find the agreement unenforceable.
- The presence of legal counsel for both parties strengthens an agreement’s validity.
3. Extreme Financial Disparities
- If the agreement leaves one spouse with an excessive financial burden while the other retains the majority of assets, courts may intervene.
- Spousal support (alimony) and asset division should be balanced and reasonable.
4. Fraud or Misrepresentation
- Any false statements or concealment of key financial information can render an agreement invalid.
- Courts may void agreements if a spouse intentionally misrepresented financial status to gain an unfair advantage.
Examples of Unconscionable Divorce Agreements
Some examples of agreements that may be deemed unconscionable include:
- A prenuptial agreement that waives all spousal support even if one spouse is financially dependent.
- A settlement where one spouse receives significantly less than half of marital assets without justification.
- An agreement signed under threats, coercion, or without legal representation.
Proving Unconscionability in Court
If a spouse believes their divorce agreement is unconscionable, they must provide evidence to support their claim. The process generally involves:
- Filing a motion – The party challenging the agreement must petition the court to review its fairness.
- Presenting financial records – Bank statements, tax returns, and asset valuations may be used to demonstrate an unfair financial disparity.
- Providing witness testimony – Legal professionals, financial experts, or other witnesses may testify about the circumstances of the agreement.
- Showing procedural unfairness: If an agreement was signed under duress, without legal counsel, or with misleading conditions, courts are more likely to intervene.
Contact Our New York Divorce Attorneys
Proving unconscionability in a divorce case requires solid evidence of unfairness, whether through lack of financial disclosure, coercion, or extreme imbalance in the terms. Courts will carefully review agreements to ensure they are fair and legally valid.
If you believe your divorce agreement is unfair or were pressured into signing an unjust prenup, Aiello & DiFalco can help. Our experienced New York family law attorneys will assess your case and fight to protect your rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.