The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage in all states proved to be a landmark decision. The issue has been very controversial in states like Tennessee where the clash between religion and politics has been particularly polarizing. But no matter which side of the argument people may be on, the fact is that same-sex couples in Tennessee now have the right to get married and have their union recognized in every state in the country.
According to recent reports, this has resulted in a dramatic increase in same-sex couples planning a wedding in this and other states. But what is crucial for any person to remember if they are going to get married is that it can be valuable to plan for the future beyond the wedding day.
One way to do this is to consider a prenuptial agreement. A prenup can address certain financial matters before a couple gets married. In a prenup, people can identify separate properties and debts and even clarify standards for spousal support. A prenuptial agreement can also establish property division arrangements so that such a decision will not be left solely up to a judge later on.
Dividing property can be one of the most difficult aspects of any divorce. During this process, people can be so motivated by fear, anxiety, anger and bitterness toward their spouse that it only complicates matters further.
Of course it can be difficult to discuss serious financial matters, especially as they relate to divorce, when you are so focused on planning for a life of happiness and commitment. However, discussing these things with the help of an attorney when and your soon-to-be spouse both value fairness in your relationship can help you avoid contentious battles in the future.
As more and more people get married and promise to spend the rest of their lives together, there very well could be more and more people who end up finding themselves in a broken or unsatisfying marriage years down the road. Rather than ignore this reality or assume it will all work out peacefully, couples can make some plans and take some control by discussing a prenuptial agreement with an attorney.
Source: Knoxville News Sentinel, "Wedding business set to grow in East Tenn. after same-sex marriage ruling," Ed Marcum, July 1, 2015