Button v. Button, 131 Wis. 2d 84, 388 N.W.2d 546 (1986)
The case of Button v. Button arises out of a marital dissolution proceeding where the enforceability of a prenuptial agreement was scrutinized.
Is a prenuptial agreement regarding property division enforceable at the time of marital dissolution, even if circumstances have rendered it inequitable?
A prenuptial agreement is enforceable unless enforcement would impose an inequitable or unfair outcome due to changes in circumstances during the marriage that were not foreseeable at the time of the agreement.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court held that the prenuptial agreement was unenforceable as enforcing it would lead to an unjust division of property at the time of dissolution, given the significant changes in circumstances not anticipated at the time of signing.
Button v. Button underscores the balance between contractual freedom in prenuptial agreements and the court's equitable jurisdiction to ensure fairness at the time of enforcement. This case is pivotal for understanding how courts navigate prenuptial contracts, informing students of how doctrinal principles adapt to protect vulnerable parties in family law. The approach taken also sets a precedent for the treatment of similar agreements in other jurisdictions that may prioritize equity over strict contractual adherence.