Marriage is a joyous occasion. So much so, that some people marry two, three, four or more times. Older couples, couples with previous marriages, and even successful younger people often have children from prior marriages or accumulated assets that they bring into the new marriage. Sorting out the obligations between the spouses, and amongst and to various family members, requires careful thought and planning, but can prevent anxiety and misunderstandings later.
When you come to the law firm of Hayes & Wilson, pllc, in Houston, Texas, our attorneys will listen to your plans and guide you through the cluster of issues surrounding a new marriage. We can explain the alternatives so that you can make informed decisions about important issues that will affect the health and longevity of your new marriage.
Board Certified, Estate Planning and Probate Attorney
713-880-3939 or E-Mail
We will help you formulate a plan for the financial aspects of your marriage that answers important questions, a few of which are:
- Have you made complete disclosure of relevant information, including assets and income, family and other significant relationships, future expectancies, credit history, guarantees, and credit ratings and history, and criminal records?
- What obligations will each have to the other party’s children, siblings or parents?
- Which assets will be held jointly, separately, commingled?
- How will income be handled, and who will pay the household expenses? Will either spouse keep income on separate property as separate income?
- What about future business transactions of each spouse, pending or future litigation or claims, future credit transactions, tax liabilities and returns?
- How will assets be divided and distributed upon divorce or death? Will there be any spousal support, spousal maintenance or alimony? What insurance or retirement benefits will be available to the surviving spouse?
- Has there been complete disclosure of health history and pre-existing conditions? Who is responsible for health insurance, supplemental insurance, or long-term care arrangements?
- What are the financial obligations to each other in the event of long-term disability?
Our attorneys can also help you explore alternatives to a prenuptial agreement. Through the creative use of trusts and other arrangements prior to marriage, you can protect and preserve your assets and income without the topic even being discussed with the other party.
