Marriage: Before You Get Married

Financial problems are a major factor contributing to many divorces. But you can't completely safeguard yourselves from these problems. So how do you keep financial mishaps from putting undue strain on your relationship? Like everything else in a marriage, communication is the key. Know each other financially and be willing to talk openly about your present financial situation.

So spend some time getting to know your future spouse's financial history. Swap credit reports. Ask what he or she expects and wants.

Prenuptial agreements
Some think that a prenuptial agreement is a matter of trust, or lack of in some cases. It can be. But it can also be a statement that both parties agree on certain terms as they enter into the marriage. It will also help both parties know what to expect if a marriage doesn't work out. It may not be the most romantic topic during marriage preparations. But it could be an important step and you should at least consider drafting a prenuptial agreement.

From a legal standpoint, it is a good idea to create a prenuptial agreement if:

• You have wealth you would like to preserve
• You have children from a previous marriage or relationship
• You own a company
• You have a good chance of becoming famous
• You expect to inherit a lot of money or other assets
• You have ongoing family related financial obligations
• One partner earns much more that the other

Leave yourself enough time so that you can both think about your prenuptial agreement. It will make sure there is more clarity about the situation. It will also make the prenuptial agreement harder to challenge.

Postnuptial agreements
If you're already married or your wedding is coming up quickly, but you still want some kind of financial agreement, a postnuptial agreement is an option. It accomplishes the same basic thing as a prenuptial agreement. Postnuptial agreements are often created when one partner comes into wealth and wants to protect it.

Financial Planners
Before you tie the knot, it may also be useful to meet with a qualified, objective financial planner. A financial planner can help you as a couple with goal-setting and budgeting, as well as answering financial questions. It's a great way to get you both talking about money together. The Financial Planning Association® offers a valuable Checklist for Interviewing a Financial Planner to help you find the best, most qualified professional.