The decision to remarry following a divorce has become more popular over the years. While multiple marriages no longer carry the stigma they once did, they do create some logistical problems that a couple may have to overcome. Even if the relationship is uneventful, it is a good idea to spend time discussing and preparing for the actual marriage ceremony. A previous divorce and children from a prior marriage should not be ignored since taking a few extra steps in the planning stages can help you avoid second marriage ceremony disasters.
Check the First Divorce Decree
Rereading your initial divorce decree and related documents is a good idea before taking another trip to the altar, especially if a few years have passed since you previously divorced. If you are receiving any form of spousal maintenance payments (commonly referred to as alimony), then getting married for a second time could have a serious impact on your finances. Many divorce settlement agreements end alimony payments after the recipient gets remarried or the person getting married may need to provide income information obtained from the new spouse to the court to determine if the amount will be lowered. The last thing any newly married couple wants is to return from their honeymoon to discover that they have lost a significant portion of the money they expected to use to maintain their marital household.
Notify the Other Parent
Some child custody agreements require both parents to keep each other informed regarding changes in marital status, living arrangements, etc. Even if you are not required to notify the other parent, it is still a good idea to observe this basic courtesy and keep your former spouse informed about your plans to get married. Talking to your former spouse about your plans to get remarried is also a good idea if you want your mutual child to attend the wedding or participate in the ceremony. Keeping them informed will help prevent an awkward scene or conversation in the future after your children tell them about the wedding or they hear about it from mutual friends.
Prepare for the Worst
No matter how hard you prepare and plan it is possible that things will not go the way you expect. The best thing to do in any case is to prepare for the worst to happen. Have a plan in place to handle the appearance of a former spouse or the failure of a child or close family member to attend the ceremony. At times, simply being mentally prepared to handle a difficult situation can make it easier to respond if what you are trying to avoid occurs anyway.
Talk to an Attorney
If you do not believe that your former spouse will respond well to your remarriage or your second marriage has legal implications, it is always a good idea to talk to a divorce attorney about your situation. An attorney can review your previous divorce decree and give you legal advice based on your unique scenario. The attorneys at Vayman & Teitelbaum realize that everyone’s divorce and marriage is different, so we work with you to make sure your needs are met. Contact us today and schedule a consultation at one of our four Atlanta area locations so that we can help you attend to your legal affairs before your big day arrives.
