6 Legal Marriage To Dos to Review Before You Say “I Do”
In Collaboration with Oscar Collins
Couples often get swept up in the romance of planning their wedding. While you’re choosing color schemes and touring luxury venues, don’t forget to discuss the legal marriage details of your upcoming union.
Reviewing the most pressing concerns will clarify what you should handle before you walk down the aisle.
1. Research Changing Your Last Name – Legal Marriage To Dos
Research shows that 79% of women change their surnames after marrying an opposite-sex partner, but you may want to do the same if you’re engaged to a same-sex partner. Either way, your new name will affect numerous legal documents. You’ll have to update forms like:
- State-issued IDs
- Passport
- Car registration
- Vehicle title
- Bank accounts
- Investment accounts
If you own a home, you don’t have to update the deed immediately. However, changing it sooner than later will simplify legal proceedings if you sell the property or change ownership in a divorce. Brides with lawyers on retainer can discuss the fine details during an appointment. Otherwise, you’ll need to save the directions from government offices or bank websites.
2. Discuss a Prenuptial Agreement
Talking about divorce might feel uncomfortable while you’re in your engagement bubble, but it’s a practical way to protect you and your partner later on. A prenuptial agreement ensures your separate financial interests have legal protection so you both get fair treatment even if your potential divorce turns bitter. The form could also save you from a lifetime of costly alimony payments that significantly erode your financial standing.
Current laws will affect your assets during a divorce. States like Pennsylvania require an equitable splitting of assets, unlike other states that require an equal split. An equitable sharing can result in long-standing court appointments to hash out the details, especially if your divorce is less than amicable. A prenuptial agreement makes things easier for both parties by determining those in advance.
3. Consider Your Bank Accounts – Legal Marriage To Dos
Many couples talk about merging their checking or savings accounts after getting married. Sharing finances can make paying bills or reaching goals easier because everything happens in one place. The move can also complicate your future during a divorce since separating joint accounts is tricky.
While you might think getting married requires merging your savings, 23% of couples keep separate accounts long after their wedding day. Discuss the possibility with your fiancé to see where they stand. Either way, remember to update your last name on it after your wedding if you take your partner’s surname.
4. Look Into Estate Planning
Estate planning happens after you get married but can easily be a conversation before your big day arrives. People with assets or significant income talk to estate planners because their legal documents determine what happens with that wealth after they pass away. You should talk to your fiancé about who your beneficiaries might be, especially if you don’t plan on having children.
Your estate planner will also discuss details like what health care services you do or don’t want during an emergency. You’ll assign someone the power of attorney and other advanced directives. Handling these details may feel grim, but it makes things easier for you and your spouse when you can’t speak for yourself.
5. Meet With Your CPA
Talking with your certified public account (CPA) before your wedding is always smart. They’ll clarify if you’ll benefit from filing jointly, which changes with your specific income brackets, potential deductions, and other applicable parts of state or federal tax laws.
Someone making $30,000 annually will benefit from different tax codes than someone earning $50 per hour or more as a nuclear power reactor operator married to a spouse who makes double that in finance. Your shared assets could also open doors to credits or deductions. While this isn’t necessary to file your marriage license, it’s another way to understand your future as a married couple.
6. Compare Insurance Options – Legal Marriage To Dos
Life insurance is crucial, especially if you’re in higher income brackets. Great coverage will ensure you can continue your quality of life if your spouse passes away. Even if you have investments that produce monthly interest significant enough to live off of, getting insurance plans could provide more peace of mind.
Term life insurance policies last 10-30 years before renewing, which often happens at a higher rate. Lifetime policies cost a bit more, but your rate remains locked for life. Compare your options with your fiancé before walking down the aisle to understand how you want to support each other financially if one of you passes away.
Plan Your Dream Wedding With Ease
Talking about legalities may not feel as romantic as trying wedding cake flavors, but it’s an essential step before walking down the aisle. You and your fiancé should know how you’ll manage your assets, tax changes and other aspects of your shared life before it begins. You’ll feel more confident when you say your vows because you’ll clearly understand your future.