Jurisdiction clauses in international premarital agreements: A comparison between the US and the European system

Society moves fast and constantly. Despite the persistence of gender roles in marriages, other factors including heightened job market access and economic independence for women, as well as greater bargaining power in marriage and the evolution of no-fault divorce, have increased the role of party autonomy in family matters - and therefore, caused a shift in the complex debate between state policy interest in family matters and individual private autonomy. As a consequence of these significant societal changes, there has been an increased use of premarital agreements in contemplation of divorce. Through these agreements, before they marry the prospective spouses determine the consequences of a future breakdown, i.e. the rights that would otherwise arise at the time of the dissolution of the marriage or the death of one of the spouses. International prenuptial agreements (agreements with significant contacts with numerous countries) raise relevant questions with regard to jurisdiction, applicable law, and recognition and enforcement. This article conducts a comparative study between the conflict of laws system in the US and the European Union with regard to prenuptial agreements in contemplation of divorce, focusing on questions of jurisdiction. The advisability of choice of forum clauses and their limits will be at the heart of this study.