{"id":351897,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:38","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/marriage\/intake-form-for-marriage.html"},"modified":"2024-11-21T14:39:00","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T19:39:00","slug":"intake-form-for-marriage","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage\/intake-form-for-marriage.html","title":{"rendered":"Preparing for Marriage: Intake Form and Questionnaire"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Preparing for Marriage: Intake Form and Questionnaire<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/natalie-moritz\/\">Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/rhonda-earhart-esq\/\">Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            November 21, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>Preparing for marriage is more than planning a wedding. This significant life transition has legal and emotional aspects to address. From meeting with an attorney to premarital counseling, being proactive about planning your future together can promote a more secure marriage.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n<p>Marriage presents several&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage\/marriage-law-overview.html\">legal issues<\/a>&nbsp;to consider before your wedding day:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>What will happen to your property or finances once you are married?<\/li>\r\n<li>How will you divide your property, including any real estate, if you divorce?<\/li>\r\n<li>Will you be entitled to or owe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce\/spousal-support-alimony-basics.html\">alimony or spousal support<\/a> if you divorce?<\/li>\r\n<li>If you have been married before, do you owe or receive alimony or spousal support?<\/li>\r\n<li>Do you have children or hope to have children in the future? If so, who will have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-custody\/child-custody-and-visitation-information-by-state.html\">child custody<\/a> if you divorce?<\/li>\r\n<li>What happens if <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence.html\">domestic violence<\/a> occurs?<\/li>\r\n<li>Will either spouse <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage\/changing-your-name.html\">change their name<\/a>?<\/li>\r\n<li>Have you considered drafting a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage\/hiring-a-prenup-lawyer.html\">prenuptial agreement<\/a> (prenup)?<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Some couples <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage\/marriage-legal-help.html\">work with an attorney<\/a> to address these questions and plan accordingly. Some couples also participate in premarital counseling alongside getting legal help.<\/p>\r\n<p>This article focuses on the importance of getting professional legal help\u2014and in some instances\u2014 couples counseling, before you get married.<\/p>\r\n<p>You will also find two helpful lists of questions:<\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li>An example of an initial intake form that most legal professionals use. This will help you prepare to meet with your attorney.<\/li>\r\n<li>A questionnaire to help identify key areas for discussion during counseling sessions<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h2>When To Meet With a Family Law Attorney<\/h2>\r\n<p>It\u2019s a good idea to speak with a&nbsp;family law attorney before changing your marital status. An attorney can help you understand the legal implications of marriage <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage\/state-laws-on-marriage.html\">in your state<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>This is especially important if you have:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>A sizeable fortune<\/li>\r\n<li>Real estate interests<\/li>\r\n<li>Family businesses<\/li>\r\n<li>Other substantial assets<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>If any of these scenarios apply to you, consider a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage\/prenuptial-agreements.html\">prenuptial agreement<\/a>. You may also want to plan an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/planning-an-estate.html\">estate or trust<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you decide to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">seek legal advice<\/a> 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.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Intake Form for Your Family Law Attorney<\/h2>\r\n<p>Review the intake form below if you consult a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/family-law.html\">family law<\/a> 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.<\/p>\r\n<p>Be prepared to provide the following details about you and your partner:<\/p>\r\n<h3>Identifying Information<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Full Name<\/li>\r\n<li>Former Name\/Maiden Name(s)<\/li>\r\n<li>Date of Birth<\/li>\r\n<li>Place of Birth (City, State)<\/li>\r\n<li>Social Security Number<\/li>\r\n<li>Current Address&nbsp;<\/li>\r\n<li>Length of Time at the Address<\/li>\r\n<li>Previous Addresses (from the last 10 years)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Contact Information<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Phone Number<\/li>\r\n<li>E-mail Address<\/li>\r\n<li>Mailing Address<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Employment and Income Information<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Current Employer<\/li>\r\n<li>Current Job Title<\/li>\r\n<li>Current Employer&#8217;s Address<\/li>\r\n<li>Length of Time With Employer<\/li>\r\n<li>Previous Employers (from the last 10 years)<\/li>\r\n<li>Gross Monthly Income<\/li>\r\n<li>Other Income (sources and amount)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Marriages and Children<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Date of Marriage<\/li>\r\n<li>Place of Marriage<\/li>\r\n<li>Previous Marriages (yes or no)<\/li>\r\n<li>Date of Separation and Reason (death or divorce)<\/li>\r\n<li>Children From Other Marriages or Relationships (name, date of birth, social security number, with whom residing)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Legal Concerns<\/h3>\r\n<p>Provide as much detail as possible.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Premarital Agreement&nbsp;<\/li>\r\n<li>Separation Agreement<\/li>\r\n<li>Estate Planning<\/li>\r\n<li>Financial Planning&nbsp;<\/li>\r\n<li>Health Care Directives<\/li>\r\n<li>Paternity<\/li>\r\n<li>Custody&nbsp;or Visitation<\/li>\r\n<li>Child Support&nbsp;<\/li>\r\n<li>Property Ownership&nbsp;<\/li>\r\n<li>Financial Issues or Bankruptcy<\/li>\r\n<li>Other Legal Issues<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Health and Safety Special Concerns<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Physical or Mental Health of Self, Spouse, or Children<\/li>\r\n<li>Substance Abuse or Drug Use of Self, Spouse, or Children<\/li>\r\n<li>Domestic Abuse or Violence<\/li>\r\n<li>Child Abuse<\/li>\r\n<li>Other Concerns<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Couples Counseling Before Marriage: Is It Right for Us?<\/h2>\r\n<p>You don\u2019t 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage\/getting-married-checklist.html\">in your marriage<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>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.<\/p>\r\n<p>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 \u201chomework\u201d to do at home between sessions.<\/p>\r\n<p>Couples counseling has several benefits, including:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Increasing overall relationship satisfaction<\/li>\r\n<li>Enabling productive communication<\/li>\r\n<li>Identifying and working through specific issues<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Some states also discount the cost of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage\/marriage-license-requirements.html\">marriage license<\/a> application for completing approved premarital education.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Intake Questions for Couples Counseling<\/h3>\r\n<p>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:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Experience with counseling or therapy, including individual, couples, or marriage counseling<\/li>\r\n<li>Relationship history (like how long you\u2019ve known each other, been in a relationship, or cohabitating)<\/li>\r\n<li>Relationship status (dating, engaged, married, or separated)<\/li>\r\n<li>Relationship dynamics (including how you communicate, strengths, and conflict management)<\/li>\r\n<li>Individual and shared values (including how you view family relationships, financial management, religion\/spirituality, and other values)<\/li>\r\n<li>Your sexual relationship, including intimacy and connection<\/li>\r\n<li>Future plans regarding housing, children, and careers<\/li>\r\n<li>A brief summary of concerns you are experiencing in your relationship<\/li>\r\n<li>Goals and expectations for counseling<\/li>\r\n<li>Logistics, like scheduling and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/insurance\/health-insurance.html\">insurance information<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Start Your Life Together on Secure Legal Footing: Hire a Family Law Attorney<\/h2>\r\n<p>Preparing for marriage can be overwhelming. Addressing the legal aspects of your marriage isn\u2019t as exciting as planning a wedding, but it\u2019s just as important. An attorney can help you and your spouse build a solid foundation for your future together. A <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">family law attorney<\/a> can explain marriage and divorce laws in your state, how to protect your assets, and how to plan for the unexpected.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you have children from a previous relationship, your attorney can also help you understand how to navigate child support, estate planning, and more. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Contact a family law attorney<\/a>&nbsp;today to learn more.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                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was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Many people can get married without hiring legal help\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Marriages involving prenups, significant debt, child custody issues, and property questions may need an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored advice and ask questions about getting married.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" 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class=\"action-card-layout__content fl-text-lg\">\n                    <p>Marriage is an ideal time to create or change your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/estate-planning.html\" title=\"DIY Estate Planning Forms\">estate planning forms<\/a>. Take the time to add new beneficiaries (including your spouse!) to your will. Consider creating a power of attorney to ensure your spouse can access your financial accounts. Also, a health care directive lets your spouse make your medical decisions if you ever become incapacitated.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/estate-planning.html\" class=\"action-card-layout__button fl-button fl-link-button secondary\">\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Start Planning<\/span>\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw shares how legal help and counseling can help you prepare for marriage. 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