Your wedding day is right around the corner! How exciting!
Marriage presents a variety of legal issues that you should consider before the big day:
- What will happen to your property or finances once you are married?
- Will half your real estate be considered your partner's?
- Will you be entitled to alimony from your partner?
- Will you owe spousal support to your partner?
- Do you have children or hope to have children in the future? If so, who will have child custody if you split up?
- What happens in the event of domestic violence?
- Will you keep your maiden name? Or will you change your name?
- Have you considered getting a prenuptial agreement (prenup)?
These questions may raise a few concerns. If you have similar questions, you may need to speak with a family law attorney before changing your marital status.
If you seek legal advice, consult an experienced family law attorney.
If you consult a family law attorney for legal services, take a look at the intake form below. This form is known as a “client intake form." When you meet with an attorney, they will give you a similar questionnaire. This is a routine way to gather general information about your situation and needs.
Don't forget to add the family law intake form below to your list of things to do before the big day! Use this intake form, print it, fill it out, and take it with you to see your family law attorney.
Intake Form: For Marriage
INFORMATION ABOUT YOU & INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SPOUSE
Full Name_______________________________ ________________________________
Date of Birth
____________________________________ ________________________________
Place of Birth
____________________________________ ________________________________
(City, State)
Social Security Number__________________ ____________________
Current Address (if both reside at the same address, fill in the left-hand column only)
______________________________ ______________________________
(Street)
______________________________ ______________________________
(Apartment; Unit Number)
______________________________ ______________________________
(City, State, Zip Code)
Length of Time at the Address Listed Above _______ years _______ years
Previous Address(es) (for the last 10 years)
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
Contact Information
Cell Phone Number __________________ ____________________
Work Phone Number __________________ ____________________
E-mail Address __________________ ____________________
Mailing Address
______________________________ ______________________________
(Street)
______________________________ ______________________________
(Apartment; Unit Number)
______________________________ ______________________________
(City State, Zip Code)
Former Name/Maiden Name(s)
__________________ __________________
__________________ __________________
Current Employer ______________________ _________________________
Current Job Title ______________________ __________________________
Current Employer's Address
______________________________ ______________________________
(Street)
______________________________ ______________________________
(Apartment; Unit Number)
______________________________ ______________________________
(City, State, Zip Code)
Length of Time With Employer _______ years _______ years
Previous Employer(s) (for last 10 years)
_____________________________ _________________________________
_____________________________ _________________________________
_____________________________ _________________________________
_____________________________ _________________________________
_____________________________ _________________________________
_____________________________ _________________________________
_____________________________ _________________________________
_____________________________ _________________________________
_____________________________ _________________________________
Gross Monthly Income $_________________ $_________________
Other Income
Source/Amount ________________________ _________________________
Source/Amount ________________________ _________________________
Source/Amount ________________________ _________________________
Date of Marriage _________________________________
Place of Marriage ________________________________
Previous Marriage(s) Yes ____ No ____ Yes ____ No ____
If yes, Date of Separation ____________________
Ended by: Ended by:
Death ____ Divorce ____ Date ____ Death ____ Divorce ____ Date ____
Death ____ Divorce ____ Date ____ Death ____ Divorce ____ Date ____
Children of Current Relationship
Name, Date of Birth, Social Security Number
_______________ _________ _____________________
_______________ _________ _____________________
_______________ _________ _____________________
_______________ _________ _____________________
_______________ _________ _____________________
Children From Other Marriages or Relationships
Name, Date of Birth, Social Security Number, With Whom Residing
_______________ _________ _____________________ _________________
_______________ _________ _____________________ _________________
_______________ _________ _____________________ _________________
_______________ _________ _____________________ _________________
_______________ _________ _____________________ _________________
Legal Concerns (provide detail as applicable)
Premarital Agreement ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Separation Agreement ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Estate Planning _________________________________________________________________________________________
Financial Planning ____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Health Care Directives ____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Paternity _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Custody _______________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Child Support ___________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Property Ownership ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Other _________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Special Concerns
Physical or Mental Health of Self____________________________________________ _______________________________________________________
Physical or Mental Health of Spouse__________________________________________ _______________________________________________________
Physical or Mental Health of Children________________________________________ ________________________________________________________
Domestic Abuse or Violence_________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________
Child Abuse______________________________________________
Custody or Visitation Issues_________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________
Financial Issues___________________________________________________
Property Disputes_________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________
Other Important Information
________________________________________________________________
Hiring a Family Law Attorney
Marriage laws are constantly changing. If you are thinking about getting married, you may need to consult an experienced family law attorney.
A skilled lawyer who specializes in marriage can help you ensure that your legal rights are protected. It's important to speak to a lawyer familiar with the laws in your jurisdiction. Most family law attorneys offer free consultations. Contact an experienced family law attorney today.