Marriage is a difficult, emotional subject. So, when it’s time for the parties to bring this chapter to a close, things can get a little messy. Therefore, it’s no surprise that divorce attorneys get an inside look into some of the most difficult experiences a person can have. Working on that side of the spectrum, they see a lot of things that could serve as a cautionary tale for others (maybe even themselves).
While some people believe that talking to a family law attorney before you even get married can get you off to a rocky start with your potential spouse, others see it the other way around. Divorce lawyers are some of the most insightful people to ask about ways to make your current or future marriage work. They’ve seen it all, and their insights can help you avoid a route that can turn out to be emotionally and physically painful. Let’s take a look at a few important tips from a Las Vegas Divorce Attorney that can save your relationship.
Have An Open Discussion About Spending Habits
Today, financial disagreements and infidelity are among the most commonly cited reasons for divorce. That’s why marriage experts and family law attorneys recommend talking about finances early on. Whether you’re already married or are planning to tie the knot, the sooner you make finances a part of your discussion, the better.
Often, spouses with vastly different spending habits nit-pick each other’s purchases, leading to frustration and resentment. Sure, you can’t expect people to change as soon as they get married, but talking about finances and spending habits can help both parties reach a middle ground.
Both Parties Should Know How To Budget
Too often, one spouse takes up the responsibility of creating a budget and sticking to it. This can leave the other spouse vulnerable in the event that things turn sour. Divorce lawyers have seen this scenario play out too many times, which is why they recommend both partners become financially savvy. Money is a delicate topic, but when you’re constantly brushing it under the rug, it can lead to conflict.
Maintain Your Credit Score
Another important financial recommendation that most divorce attorneys make to clients is to maintain their credit score. Making timely payments can help you build good credit over the course of your marriage. It gives you a sense of autonomy over your financial future, so even if you decide to get a divorce down the line, you’ll be able to take out a loan without needing help from your spouse.
Keep Records of Any Pre-Marital Savings or Investments
When you get married, you’re not just sharing a home with someone; you become a single economic unit. That means any debts or assets acquired over the course of the marriage will be split between the members of that unit. And if you can’t prove that you owned certain assets before getting married, they could end up getting mixed up with marital assets. As a result, any pre-marriage investments or savings may end up being included in the divorce settlement.
To prevent that from happening, divorce attorneys recommend keeping good records of what you owned before getting married. You’ll also need to prove that you didn’t fund those accounts with marital funds.
Divorce – And Its Aftermath – Can Be Expensive
Whether you decide to go all out for your big day or an intimate affair with close loved ones, you can still expect to spend a considerable amount on your wedding. Not to mention, you’ll also end up paying a pretty penny if you decide to split and go your separate ways.
The average cost of consulting a Las Vegas divorce lawyer falls somewhere between $300 and $500 per hour, with some charging much more. Even if you end up settling things quickly, the expenses can still range in the tens of thousands. The reason many divorce lawyers bring up this fact is to help you make an informed decision, particularly if you’re having doubts.
You Can’t Use Extramarital Affairs For Personal Gain
Getting cheated on is a painful ordeal that’s bound to leave you feeling angry and vindictive. It’s natural to want to use a spouse’s extramarital affair for your personal gain. Perhaps you think that you’ll be able to get more alimony (or avoid paying it) or a bigger share of the marital assets. However, that’s not true because Nevada, like most states, is a no-fault state. Therefore, any marital misconduct, like an extramarital affair, doesn’t entitle you to a bigger chunk of the marital assets.
Make Sure You’re On The Same Page About Kids
Divorces become all more complex when there are kids involved, so it’s no secret that attorneys have seen the impact that separation can have on children. Even though it’s common for couples to discuss whether they want to have kids (as well as how many they want to have), the aspect of parenting styles is rarely brought up. Remember that, as children, we usually only see one parenting style, and more often than not, it’s the one we use when raising our own kids. Knowing what kind of parent a future spouse will be is another important factor to consider before tying the knot. Ask yourself if they’re the kind of person you want to raise children with.
Talk About Prenups – But Do It Properly
Last but not the least: prenups! Most divorce lawyers can agree that you should consider a prenup before getting married. It gives you a chance to sit down with your family law lawyer and outline your finances. More importantly, you can avoid a contentious and expensive divorce in the event that things don’t turn out the way you expect them to.
In most divorces, parties spend a lot of time contesting the issue of spousal support or alimony. Similarly, many people find that their pre-marital assets are subject to division during a divorce. Getting a prenup helps you avoid the lengthy process of litigation. That being said, you should still bring it up in advance, well before the wedding. Under the wrong circumstances, a prenup can be one-sided and coercive, so even if you don’t plan to get one, it’s best to know how your potential spouse feels about the matter.