The process of getting married can be a long and arduous one. But, after all is said and done, it’s time to think about the paperwork that needs to happen in order for you and your spouse-to-be to start living together. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
#1 Get your marriage license
This is the first step to getting married and one of the most important. Make sure you get this document from your county clerk’s office before getting married so that there are no hiccups later on down the road. This can be done at least a few weeks prior to your wedding date.
Once you have obtained your marriage license, it has to be returned within 30 days after being issued in order for it to remain valid; otherwise, another fee must be paid in order for it to become active again. If you do not want anyone else to know the details of your marriage, you must get a confidential license and keep it safe until after your wedding.
#2 Inform your employer
If you have a job, you will need to tell your employer that you are married. This is especially important if either of you has health insurance through work – this may change depending on whether or not your spouse-to-be already has coverage and what type it is. It’s also a good idea to have your California estate lawyer update any beneficiaries for life insurance policies after the wedding.
Another thing to consider here would be 401(k)s, pensions, etc., as these must be updated with your new last name! Finally, inform all companies from whom you receive payments (rent deposit/payment services like Netflix), as there could be issues arising in the future otherwise.
#3 Prenuptial agreement
A prenuptial agreement is a legal document that helps protect the assets of either yourself or your spouse should you get divorced. While this can be done at any time before marriage, it’s generally advisable to have one drawn up before getting married so that nothing is contested in an eventual divorce.
Additionally, if you are entering into marriage with debt (whether credit card bills with both names on them or student loans), know what will happen to those bills once your new last name goes onto them! It may seem like common sense now, but many people don’t think about these things ahead of time and end up losing out later.
#4 New bank accounts
And finally, if you don’t already have bank accounts opened together before getting married (or even individually), make sure to do so once your marriage licenses are acquired! If either of you has any existing debts or loans that need paying off separately from the other person’s, having individual checking and savings accounts is an important step in keeping finances organized.
In conclusion, marriage is a big step in any person’s life, whether it be for the first time or not. Luckily, paperwork can help keep your records organized and avoid future disputes with your spouse down the line!