Preparing for Marriage: Intake Form and Questionnaire

Marriage presents several legal issues to consider before your wedding day:

• What will happen to your property or finances once you are married?
• How will you divide your property, including any real estate, if you divorce?
• Will you be entitled to or owe alimony or spousal support if you divorce?
• If you have been married before, do you owe or receive alimony or spousal support?
• Do you have children or hope to have children in the future? If so, who will have child custody if you divorce?
• What happens if domestic violence occurs?
• Will either spouse change their name?
• Have you considered drafting a prenuptial agreement (prenup)?

Some couples work with an attorney to address these questions and plan accordingly. Some couples also participate in premarital counseling alongside getting legal help.

This article focuses on the importance of getting professional legal help—and in some instances— couples counseling, before you get married.

You will also find two helpful lists of questions:

1. An example of an initial intake form that most legal professionals use. This will help you prepare to meet with your attorney.
2. A questionnaire to help identify key areas for discussion during counseling sessions

When To Meet With a Family Law Attorney

It’s a good idea to speak with a family law attorney before changing your marital status. An attorney can help you understand the legal implications of marriage in your state.

This is especially important if you have:

• A sizeable fortune
• Real estate interests
• Family businesses
• Other substantial assets

If any of these scenarios apply to you, consider a prenuptial agreement. You may also want to plan an estate or trust.

If you decide to seek legal advice from an attorney, they will conduct an intake process. Intake involves collecting information about your case to understand how they can best address your needs. Find a sample intake form below to help you prepare.

Intake Form for Your Family Law Attorney

Review the intake form below if you consult a family law attorney for legal services. When you meet with your attorney, they will give you a similar questionnaire. This is a routine way to gather general information about your situation and needs.

Be prepared to provide the following details about you and your partner:

Identifying Information

• Full Name
• Former Name/Maiden Name(s)
• Date of Birth
• Place of Birth (City, State)
• Social Security Number
• Current Address 
• Length of Time at the Address
• Previous Addresses (from the last 10 years)

Contact Information

• Phone Number
• E-mail Address
• Mailing Address

Employment and Income Information

• Current Employer
• Current Job Title
• Current Employer's Address
• Length of Time With Employer
• Previous Employers (from the last 10 years)
• Gross Monthly Income
• Other Income (sources and amount)

Marriages and Children

• Date of Marriage
• Place of Marriage
• Previous Marriages (yes or no)
• Date of Separation and Reason (death or divorce)
• Children From Other Marriages or Relationships (name, date of birth, social security number, with whom residing)

Legal Concerns

Provide as much detail as possible.

• Premarital Agreement 
• Separation Agreement
• Estate Planning
• Financial Planning 
• Health Care Directives
• Paternity
• Custody or Visitation
• Child Support 
• Property Ownership 
• Financial Issues or Bankruptcy
• Other Legal Issues

Health and Safety Special Concerns

• Physical or Mental Health of Self, Spouse, or Children
• Substance Abuse or Drug Use of Self, Spouse, or Children
• Domestic Abuse or Violence
• Child Abuse
• Other Concerns

Couples Counseling Before Marriage: Is It Right for Us?

You don’t have to current relationship problems to benefit from couples counseling. Specifically, premarital counseling can help you build a strong foundation and prepare for potential issues you may face in your marriage.

Premarital counseling offers a structured and supportive space for couples to discuss strengths and pain points. Engaged couples can use this tool to build a healthy foundation for their marriage.

It depends on the mental health professional, but most couples or premarital counseling involves a combination of individual counseling sessions and collaborative sessions. You may also have worksheets, activities, or other “homework” to do at home between sessions.

Couples counseling has several benefits, including:

• Increasing overall relationship satisfaction
• Enabling productive communication
• Identifying and working through specific issues

Some states also discount the cost of the marriage license application for completing approved premarital education.

Intake Questions for Couples Counseling

Most therapists require couples to provide some information before their first session. The information they need depends on their therapeutic approach and your specific needs. But common questions on a couples therapy intake form include:

• Experience with counseling or therapy, including individual, couples, or marriage counseling
• Relationship history (like how long you’ve known each other, been in a relationship, or cohabitating)
• Relationship status (dating, engaged, married, or separated)
• Relationship dynamics (including how you communicate, strengths, and conflict management)
• Individual and shared values (including how you view family relationships, financial management, religion/spirituality, and other values)
• Your sexual relationship, including intimacy and connection
• Future plans regarding housing, children, and careers
• A brief summary of concerns you are experiencing in your relationship
• Goals and expectations for counseling
• Logistics, like scheduling and insurance information

Start Your Life Together on Secure Legal Footing: Hire a Family Law Attorney

Preparing for marriage can be overwhelming. Addressing the legal aspects of your marriage isn’t as exciting as planning a wedding, but it’s just as important. An attorney can help you and your spouse build a solid foundation for your future together. A family law attorney can explain marriage and divorce laws in your state, how to protect your assets, and how to plan for the unexpected.

If you have children from a previous relationship, your attorney can also help you understand how to navigate child support, estate planning, and more. Contact a family law attorney today to learn more.