Proposing Over the Holidays? 5 Ways to Prepare

Planning to propose to your significant other over the holidays? You're in good company: About one-third of all engagements happen between Thanksgiving and New Year's, as The Washington Post has reported.

So if you're one of the smitten ones ready to pop the question during this especially celebratory time of year, congratulations!

Assuming your partner says "yes" (fingers crossed!), here are a few tips to prepare for what comes next:

1. Consider the potential tax consequences. Getting married typically means a change in your tax filing status, which could affect how much you owe in taxes. That's why, unromantic as it may sound, some couples purposely delay their nuptials until the time is financially right.
2. Think about your prenuptial agreement. It's never too early to start preparing for your married life -- and what may happen if it doesn't work out. Prenups are a good way to protect your assets in case of a split. Just remember that certain provisions can't go in a prenup.
3. Begin planning for your big day. If you have in mind what type of wedding you want, whether it's an international destination wedding or just a quickie courthouse version, make sure you plan ahead. Each jurisdiction has its own requirements for marriage, so make sure you meet them -- or you may have to tie the knot all over again.
4. Is your officiant credentialed? In this age of Internet-ordained ministers, you may want to be careful when choosing your officiant. Especially if you're thinking about asking a good friend or family member to officiate, they may need to obtain certain credentials first.
5. If you break up, who gets the ring? Do you have a special engagement ring planned out? Be careful, because if your engagement doesn't last, you may not be able to get it back. In the event of broken engagements, courts have ruled differently on the issue of who should get the engagement ring.

These are just a few ways to prepare for a holiday proposal and engagement. For more guidance about writing a prenup or other marriage-related issues, you may want to consult an experienced family law attorney near you.

Related Resources:

• Holiday Proposal Dos and Don'ts (Wedding Channel)
• Getting Married - Checklist (FindLaw)
• Top 5 Legal Tips for Wedding Contracts (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
• The FindLaw Guide to Prenuptial Agreements (FindLaw - Free Download)