February is traditionally the month of love, due to the Valentines Day holiday, and is a popular month for marriages. Williamson, Clune & Stevens, divorce attorneys in Ithaca, believes that every couple should consider certain matrimonial law items before you plan to marry. Considering and discussing these legal issues now can help you pave the way for a successful marriage relationship.
Prenuptial Agreements
More and more, couples seeking to enter into marriage bring significant assets into the relationship. If 
you believe this could cause a problem, perhaps a prenuptial agreement to secure these assets would help to erase any disagreements or potential headaches. Once viewed as preparing for a marriage to fail, because of not sharing assets, prenuptial agreements are now seen as a means to prevent conflict and strengthen relationships. Ask a matrimonial law attorney from Williamson, Clune & Stevens about this before tying the knot.
Finances and Taxes
Even if you both decide that a prenuptial agreement is the best choice, you and your prospective spouse must still agree on how to handle your finances after getting married. This includes which tax filing status would be most beneficial as well. You may want to talk to a financial advisor about the pros and cons of shared and separate financial accounts and tax filing options.
Name Changes
Name changes with a marriage are no longer considered automatic in modern times. You and your future spouse should discuss this issue before marriage and consider the pros and cons of a name change. Some business people prefer to keep their name intact for commercial recognition. If this issue is important to you, it may be a good idea to sit down with a matrimonial law attorney from Williamson, Clune & Stevens and learn more about the topic.
Previous Family Obligations
If there are children from a previous relationship in the mix, how they will be involved and their legal status in the new marriage should be discussed and agreed upon before the ceremony is even planned. This is an important issue, and both parties will want to ascertain what is best for the children in every case. Williamson, Clune & Stevens, divorce lawyers in Ithaca, Cortland and Syracuse, can offer advice and recommendations on this topic, and can also provide legal assistance if required.
Call Williamson, Clune & Stevens, divorce attorneys in Ithaca and Syracuse, if you have legal questions about an upcoming marriage.