Getting married permanently changes your future. Not only does it add a new level of commitment, but marriage also results in additional legal and financial complications. While some of these financial changes are immediately noticeable, others are not. To better prepare people for the various issues that can arise as a result of marriage, the following will review some factors to consider.

Additional Financial Responsibility

If you get married, you will be responsible for additional financial obligations. Not only does this mean that you will be responsible for most of the assets purchased during the marriage, but this also means that generally anything that you own could be subject to division during the divorce process. Even if you place an asset into a separate account, it still might be viewed as marital property. 

Finances are one of the most common causes of conflict during marriage because they end up having repercussions in various other areas of a couple’s life. As a result, if you and your spouse cannot come to an agreement about how to handle finances, you can suddenly find yourself facing many unanticipated obstacles.

Decision Making Powers

Following a marriage, courts recognize the closeness between spouses. This means that you will become the default decision-maker for your spouse. If you are hospitalized and left unable to make decisions, your spouse will be able to make medical decisions for you. 

Increased Difficulty Ending the Relationship

Marriages make it much more difficult to end your relationship. While you might be able to break up and move out at any time, you will not be able to formally end the marriage until a divorce decree is issued. While there are benefits to being married, some people discover that marriage is not a good idea. 

Even if you decide to end the marriage, your former spouse might still be eligible for Social Security benefits. You might also lose certain assets you value as a result of the marriage’s end. This makes things much more challenging and can prevent you from simply ending things.

The Role Children Will Play

If you plan on having children with your new or future spouse, children can play a big role in the marriage. You might have different perspectives on how to raise children or which parent should be tasked with taking care of the children. 

Many people find it surprising just how much relationships can change as a result of having children. If you do not discuss the role that children will play in your marriage, you can suddenly find yourself facing various unanticipated challenges. 

Speak with an Experienced Family Law Attorney

One of the best ways to avoid unforeseen consequences in a marriage is to communicate effectively with your future or new spouse. It also helps to realize that there are many unique challenges that can arise during marriage. If you need the assistance of a skilled family law attorney during this time, do not hesitate to speak with a lawyer at Vayman & Teitelbaum, P.C. today.