Don’t Get Married Without Doing This Paperwork

There is quite a bit of paperwork that goes along with marriage that we often fail to think about before tying the knot. Make sure you discuss this paperwork with your spouse-to-be before getting married or it could cost you both later.

Nobody gets down on one knee and says, “Honey, let’s talk about paperwork.”

But for a long-term relationship, it’s unavoidable. Things like wills, insurance policies, and prenuptial agreements are crucial.

Here’s what you need to know about the paperwork behind your relationship.

Should You Get Married at All?

Research from the Pew Research Center shows that one in five adults (25 and over) have never been married. Whether or not to get married is a topic to discuss with your partner early. The legal side is just as important as the rest, and a “yes” or “no” has a huge impact on what you’ll do next.

Should You Consider Common Law Marriage?

For common law marriages to be valid, the couple has to (a) intend to be married, (b) live together for an extended amount of time, and (c) live and act as a married couple. Certain details vary by state, and not all US states recognize common law. Those that do recognize it include the same benefits for common law as for civil marriages. See USLegal.com for a list of states that do.

Should You Consider a Prenuptial Agreement?

Setting up a prenuptial agreement doesn’t mean you’re planning to grab half your things and run. Instead, it just means you’re prepared. Why take the time? A prenuptial has benefits for couples, too. Having separate assets can shield your business interests from disaster and protect both of you from prior or coming debt. Also, sitting down to set up a prenuptial is a good way to say, “Here’s what you have. Here’s what I have. And here’s how we can combine it usefully.”

LegalTemplates.net has a solid example of a prenuptial agreement.

And What About a Will?

What’s the risk of dying without a will? Passing away without a will means you die intestate.

The Uniform Probate Code (UBC) governs how inheritance is divided. In the case of intestacy, surviving spouses are at the top of the list, then children, then parents, then siblings, and so-forth. If no next-of-kin can be found, assets cede to the state.

Not having a will means what happens after death might be far from what you or your family discussed.

Yes, a will can be handwritten, but a handwritten (or holographic) will has to adhere to certain conditions to be valid. HG.org lists guidelines for what needs to be in a holographic will for it to be valid.

Include a Letter of Instruction with your will. This is so the executor knows what to do. This is for special instructions pertaining to what you leave behind. You’ll need to include details like the information of your financial advisers, your assets, what goes to whom, and funeral instructions. See this example on Investopedia for what needs to be in your letter of instruction.

Do You Have Children From a Previous Marriage?

If you and your now-spouse have children from a previous relationship, you might also talk about adoption. Procedure for adoption (including how long it takes and whose consent you will need to adopt) varies by state. Your best bet is to check with your state and local court clerk. See this adoption guide on Child Welfare Information Gateway for more information.

Storing Your New/Updated Documents

You should always store legal documents safely. It should be somewhere it cannot be stolen, damaged, or lost. Have original, signed copies stored elsewhere (and, just for safety, make electronic copies, too).

Have you and your partner discussed paperwork?

• What You Need To Know About Writing a Will That Will Protect Your Heirs
• 4 Excuses We Make for Not Having a Will
• Joint or Separate Finances for a Second Marriage?
• Successfully Managing Finances in a Second Marriage
• Insurance Tips for Newly Married Couples

Reviewed July 2023