You’ve popped the question or said ‘I do’, and are now well on your way to a lifetime of marital bliss.  However, making a commitment to share your life with another person is no light undertaking and along with the excitement and joy that comes with your upcoming nuptials, your marriage should be approached with a certain pragmatism to give you both the best chance of success. In this article, we’ve outlined some of the practicalities to consider before your big day.

Financial Compatibility

Many marriages suffer due to the financial strain the couple come under.  To ensure this is one area that is free of contention make sure you see eye to eye on matters such as spending habits, savings, and your long-term financial goals.

Will you have a joint bank account once you are married, and if so, how do you intend to make use of it? Do one or both of you have debts or financial obligations you’re bringing into the marriage, and if so, will you work together to pay these off? These are questions you and your future spouse should discuss beforehand to avoid issues later.

Prenuptial Agreements

If one or both parties is coming into the marriage with substantial assets or business interests which they would like to protect they may consider discussing the option of a prenuptial agreement.

A prenuptial agreement can clarify how certain assets will be handled in the event of a divorce, and can also set out rules related to matters such as debt responsibility, spousal support, and dispute resolution. It can also safeguard the interests of children from a previous marriage.

For more information on prenuptial agreements, contact an experienced lawyer such as Traverse City Family Lawyer who can help you agree on terms that are legally applicable and right for you.

Children and Parenting

It’s important to discuss your visions for growing your family beyond you and your partner. If having children is important to you but not your partner then this should be discovered before tying the knot. If you both want to have children, make sure to discuss your timelines regarding this  to avoid frustration or conflict. For instance, one party may require a certain  amount of financial stability before they consider having children while the other is happy to become a parent sooner.

Along with family planning, discuss how you plan to raise your children. Is there an expectation that one of you will work while the other stays at home, or will you make use of daycare? Consider your respective backgrounds and religious upbringings. Do you both agree on  how you want to instill customs, traditions and religious beliefs in your children? By openly addressing these topics, you can ensure a harmonious environment in which to bring up your children.

Lifestyle

For many couples, marriage marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, including a new living arrangement, so it can be beneficial to discuss your lifestyle preferences beforehand. Are you both homebodies or does one of you prefer to socialize most days of the week? Agreeing on a living arrangement that accommodates both of your needs can help you get off to the best start.

By following these tips, you can ensure your marriage remains happy and harmonious for years to come.