The wedding is over, and it was perfect. You breathe a sigh of relief. No more plans to make, dresses to try on, papers to fill out, appointments to schedule -- simply put, no more red tape. Now you can relax and watch your life unfold before your very eyes. Well, not quite. After getting married, there are certain steps that you must take to make sure that the financial and legal aspects of your life reflect your newly status.

The following is a summary of important post-marriage actions to take, which will vary by couple and your local laws.

Checklist for Post-Marriage Actions to Take

There are a number of things left of do before you can get down to the business of happily ever after. Attend to these final post-wedding to-dos during the first few weeks (or even days) after your wedding, and you can enjoy the memories of your special day for decades to come.

The following checklist can serve as a helpful reminder of what remains to be done. Not every item below may apply to you, but there are surely some listed tasks that require your immediate attention.

Post-Marriage Name Changes: More Information

Here's a list of other businesses and entities to notify if you legally change your name:

• Employers
• Schools
• Post office (via change of address form)
• Department of Motor Vehicles
• Social Security Administration
• Department of Records or Vital Statistics (the issuers of birth certificates)
• Banks and other financial institutions
• Creditors and debtors
• Telephone and utility companies
• State taxing authority
• Insurance agencies
• Registrar of Voters
• Passport Office
• Public assistance office (welfare)
• Veterans Administration

Consult an Experienced Family Law Attorney

If you and your future partner recently tied the knot, you may need the assistance of an experienced family law attorney. A good lawyer will ensure that you've completed all of the most crucial post-marriage actions, such as name changes. Keep in mind that it's important to speak to a lawyer familiar with the laws in your jurisdiction. Most offer free consultations, so your first step should be to contact an experienced family attorney.