When two people embark on a marriage, they generally think of love, romance,
and starting a new chapter together as partners in life. While these are
certainly great qualities to begin a marriage with, one should not forget
the legal side of things. After all, marriage is a legal institution and
there are other complex issues that both parties should address and discuss
before they utter, “I do.” It might not seem like the most
romantic thing in the world to meet with an attorney prior to getting
married, but doing so can actually benefit a marriage immensely.
Prenuptial Agreements
One of the most important topics you and your future spouse will discuss
with an attorney is a prenuptial agreement. Before you buy into the stigma
that is commonly attached to this legal document, keep in mind that a
prenuptial agreement is designed to protect both parties in the event
of a divorce. Would you rather hash out a divorce settlement when you
and your spouse are not getting along, or is it best to put that in writing
now when the relationship is going well? The fact is that you might never
have to use your prenuptial agreement, but knowing that it exists can
provide peace of mind for both of you.
Some of the benefits of a prenuptial agreement include:
- Protects separate property
- Supports estate plans
- Defines which property is marital and which is separate
- Reduces the number of conflicts you will have during your divorce and saves you money
- Clarifies any special agreements the two of you might have
- Establishes ground rules for making decisions on future matters
Additionally, having an open and honest discussion about financial matters
can strengthen your relationship and encourage better communication.
Other Issues to Address with an Attorney
Depending on your situation, there might be different issues you need to
address when you consult with an attorney before getting married. Some
questions that are generally wise to ask include:
- What are some of the more prominent legal benefits of marriage?
- How does marriage affect one’s tax status?
- Which issues commonly come up during prenuptial agreement negotiations?
- Should I make a new will before I get married?
Family Law Attorney in Houston
If you are planning to get married, it is important to first meet with
an attorney to ensure you and your soon-to-be spouse have the best possible
start in life together. At the Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny in Houston,
our team of
family law attorneys is backed by over 30 years of combined legal experience that
we will use to your advantage. Reach out to us today for the skilled legal
help you need.
Get started on preparing for the future and
call our office at (713) 936-2300 to schedule a consultation with one of our
knowledgeable attorneys.