Legal Stuff All Couples Should Know Before Getting Married

Getting married is something that many people around the world do every day. Different traditions and laws rule everywhere when it comes to marriage. Somewhere marriage means that from that day on, completely new laws and rules apply, and in other places, partners are treated as individuals to the extent that they want. On the other hand, in many societies and traditions, all property belongs to only one partner, while in others everyone can keep what they had before, with no obligation to share it with anyone (not even children).

All this depends on the level of development in a given society. Somewhere people are advanced, but some still live in a conservative environment and are guided by those rules and values.

What is different are the laws in each state and how they are enforced. That is why companies like Forte Family Lawyers often work with prenuptial agreements and counseling. Clients need this kind of service, assuming that it is an advanced and modern society, where it keeps pace with development in every possible aspect.

On the one hand, we must not forget that marriages are concluded because of love and the desire to start a family. But life in modern society also requires protective measures and answers to many legal questions. Therefore, in this article we will focus on some of these:

1. Ownership over the money and properties

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Money and property are always tricky. Many couples decide to have joint bills, credit, and expenses, which may seem like a good idea but can be harmful in the long run. In fact, this means that each of the spouses can withdraw the money at any time, without the other’s explicit consent, or sell the property (whether it is a house, apartment, car, etc.).

That is why it is best to make an agreement that clearly delineates these things. You can have a joint account but participate in it with a small part of your income. While you might not want to think about this when you’re excited about the wedding, we’d like to remind you to plan it before you even get a date at your favorite venue.

Based on your partner’s behavior, you will be able to judge for yourself whether you should start a life together, and not think about joint rights over money and property.

2. Do you need wedding insurance?

Weddings are a big expense, and some insurance companies offer wedding insurance policies. For example, this includes the loss of physical belongings, last-minute venue cancellations, and other unforeseen mishaps.

Many would advise you to take out wedding insurance, so you can be sure you won’t be at a loss. On the other hand, statistically speaking, major disasters of this type do not occur.

Of course, one of the situations in which it can help you is if you break up before marriage, and yet a large part of the expenses have been booked and paid.

Marriage is a major commitment for both partners. Make sure you fully understand the legalities of being legally married. Even though laws vary from state to state, some of the basics include signing papers, registering at city hall, exchanging vows, and having a celebration. So yes, considering wedding insurance as an option is quite a smart thing to do.

3. How will it affect children?

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Some couples have children before they officially get married. Others may have from their previous marriages.

Marriage is an institution between two people, no matter what their faith may be. In any event, you should take into account how it will affect your children before deciding whether to get married. You can talk to them about it, and also consult anyone else you think it could possibly affect, including their other parents.

If you have children from previous marriages, you must talk to them about the current situation, and explain you will still love them, no matter what happens.

Also, couples can talk to their attorneys, to find out what they can do to protect the children, and ensure they fulfill their legal obligations. Try to find out what it means for your future children born during the marriage.

Different countries have different laws, but if you have contracts or official documents, your wishes will be followed in any case.

4. Whether to change your last name

In many cultures, it is understood that a woman takes her husband’s surname when she marries. There are also an equal number of cultures where they are not required to do so. However, marital union and happiness in life together do not depend on one’s name or surname.

Of course, changing the last name also entails legal obligations, such as changing all personal documents, data, administrative documents, and so on. Many women are not ready to take this step. Some women proceed to change their name after divorce. The truth is, after divorce name change is totally fine and normal. Changes are not essentially a bad thing.

Therefore, it would be best to speak with both a partner and legal counsel so that you can make the best possible decision on this matter.

5. Should you sign a prenuptial agreement?

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All this brings great obligations on both sides. It would be best to define the terms with your partner. Then talk to your lawyer and see if it’s all justifiable and enforceable.

Many couples divorce, but prenuptial agreements protect both the rights and obligations of each partner involved in this union.

Conclusion

Every change in your life brings rights and responsibilities. Whatever you do, that you are not sure about, you need to see what legal obligations you have. When it comes to marriage, you need to think about all aspects of the marriage union, but also how it will affect you and everyone around you.

Therefore, consider all possible aspects, then talk to a lawyer and see what they recommend. Do this whenever you are unsure of your decisions. Only in this way you can protect yourself and everyone around you, reduce costs and not commit to things you are not ready for.

We hope this article answered some of your questions. Everything else should be resolved in agreement with your partner and as soon as possible so that problems do not arise later.