You’re not alone if you’re worried that your marriage may be heading for a divorce. Nearly half of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. While that may be reassuring to know you’re not alone in your situation, it’s also a good idea to know what legal steps you can take to protect yourself, just in case. Here are some legal actions you can take if your marriage is on the brink of collapse:
Consult with a family lawyer
If you think your marriage may be heading for a divorce, you should first consult with a family lawyer. They will be able to advise you on your specific situation and let you know what options are available to you under the law. Even if you ultimately decide not to get a divorce, it’s always good to know your legal rights in case things go south.
Draw up a prenuptial agreement
Before getting married, it may be advantageous to draw up a prenuptial agreement. Although it can be uncomfortable to have this conversation with your partner, discussing the possibility of a prenuptial agreement can help protect both parties if the marriage ever fails. For some couples, this document can make all the difference in providing clarity and peace of mind when it comes time to divide assets during a divorce.
Most couples tend to focus too much on the romantic aspects of marriage and not enough on the legal matters involved. By proactively preparing for difficult scenarios before they arise, spouses-to-be can increase their chance of marital success and reduce stress down the line if they decide to separate. Therefore, if you’re worried about possible bumps in your relationship, consider establishing a premarital agreement before taking your vows – for everyone’s benefit in the long run.
Create a prenuptial agreement after marriage
If you didn’t have a prenuptial agreement before getting married but now find yourself on the brink of divorce, don’t despair! You can still create what’s known as a postnuptial agreement which will have the same effect as a prenup. These agreements are often used by couples who have undergone a major life change (like having children) and want to update their financial arrangements accordingly.
Keep your finances separate
When it comes to money, it can be one of the biggest issues couples face when it comes to a successful marriage. If you are worried that your marriage may not be doing as well as you would like, one important way to help strengthen your relationship is to keep your finances separate.
The independence that this allows keeps both partners’ perceptions of the financial situation on the same page. It provides some distance from marital problems so that there is less opportunity for resentment or bickering over money. It also allows couples full control over individual savings and debt levels, helping for a much smoother transition if a divorce were ever needed in the worst-case scenario.
Additionally, with separate accounts, each partner can stay better organized and focus on their own budgeting goals without interfering with their partner’s spending patterns. When couples choose to combine their finances, they should also make sure they regularly review spending habits together and set up saving goals together so that neither party feels tricked or used if any disagreements arise.
Get a post-divorce plan in place
If worst comes to worst and your marriage does end in divorce, it’s important to have a plan in place for afterwards. This means figuring out where you’ll live, how you’ll support yourself financially, and how you’ll co-parent (if applicable). A plan will make the transition much easier and help reduce stress.
To do this, you need the help of a reliable divorce lawyer. They will help you navigate the legal aspects of your divorce and work with you to create a post-divorce plan that works for you. Whether this means negotiating child or spousal support agreements, working out shared property arrangements, or finding new housing solutions, a good lawyer can guide you through this challenging time with as little stress and confusion as possible.
No one wants to think about their marriage ending in divorce, but unfortunately, it happens far too often. If your marriage is on the brink of collapse, there are some legal steps you can take to protect yourself both financially and emotionally. By consulting with a family lawyer, creating a pre or postnuptial agreement, keeping your finances separate from your spouse’s, and getting a post-divorce plan in place—you can give yourself some peace of mind during this difficult time.
