Dear Annie: My husband and I have been together for 34 years, married for 25 of them. We both brought children from previous marriages into the relationship; he has two and I have two.

A week before our wedding, he surprised me with a prenuptial agreement. I had no time to consult an attorney.

The choice was to sign or cancel the wedding. At the time, he owned three properties, and I owned none.

One of those properties became our marital home, where we have lived for the past 33 years. I always wanted us to buy or build a home together, but he insisted we already had “our” home.

Over the years, I contributed to this house as if it truly were ours. I paid half of the property taxes, helped with major expenses like a new roof, air conditioning system, duct work and fencing, and treated it as our forever home.

Now we are both retired, and I suggested that we update our wills. To my devastation, he informed me that I have no ownership rights to our home. He insists that, because of the prenup, the house will pass entirely to his children and that my children will receive nothing.

He says if he dies before me, I can stay in the house rent-free until I die or move out, but I would be responsible for all upkeep and property taxes. He also tells me that if I divorce him, I will still walk away with nothing.

I feel blindsided. After 25 years of marriage and decades of building a life together, it is painful to be told that I have no rightful claim to the home I helped maintain and pay for. I hardly recognize the man I married; his greed is tearing us apart.

How can I protect myself? Is there any way to claim a share of the home and secure a fair future for myself and my children? — Feeling Betrayed in Texas

Dear Betrayed in Texas: Your pain is completely understandable. After decades of marriage and shared contributions, it is devastating to hear that you are considered to have “no claim.” Please know you are not powerless. Prenuptial agreements can sometimes be challenged, especially if they were signed under pressure and without legal review.

Property and inheritance laws vary by state, and Texas has its own rules regarding marital rights and community property.

The best step you can take right now is to consult a family law attorney who specializes in estate planning and prenuptial agreements.

Do not rely on your husband’s interpretation. An attorney can tell you exactly what protections you do or do not have, and help you secure your future.

Most importantly, protect your peace of mind. You have every right to seek clarity and fairness after so many years of partnership.

Consider going to a marriage counselor who can help you process the understandable betrayal you feel.

Follow Annie Lane on Instagram at @dearannieofficial.

Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.