4 Legal Considerations Before You Say “I Do”

Jun 26 2026

By: John Drapp

Wedding planning comes with a long list of details. Amid the excitement, couples rarely want to think about divorce, a health crisis, financial strain, or the death of a spouse.

Newlywed planning means getting your legal and financial house in order. It applies to first marriages and later ones, and to couples with assets and couples without. You can discuss money in a neutral setting and set ground rules that prevent misunderstandings later.

Four areas deserve attention before the wedding.

1. Credit

Your credit score stays separate from your spouse’s, but marriage still carries credit consequences. You will likely need a plan for financing large purchases such as a home or vehicle. One spouse’s unpaid debts can sometimes become the other spouse’s legal responsibility. If that concerns you, meet with an attorney to decide how to protect you both.

2. Taxes

Marriage changes how you file. Married couples can file jointly, which has benefits and drawbacks. Combined income can push you into a higher tax bracket. If one spouse earns much more than the other, combining incomes can lower your total tax bill.

3. Estate Planning

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are one piece of estate planning. If you have children, an estate plan lets you name guardians to raise them if something happens to one or both of you.

If you have been married before, update your old estate plan to include your new spouse and remove your former one. Blended families may need added protection so your biological children inherit what you intend, instead of everything passing to your new spouse.

4. Health Care

Marriage gives you and your spouse added rights, including the ability to care for each other in the hospital. Create a living will so your spouse knows which decisions you want made on your behalf, and designate a healthcare representative to make sure someone can speak for you when you can't do so for yourself.

Build a Marriage That Lasts

A few planning steps before the wedding give you a stronger foundation for illness, divorce, lawsuits, or the death of a spouse. Planning ahead helps both of you protect what matters most and start married life on solid legal and financial footing.

Drapp Law helps Connecticut couples plan before and after the wedding. Call (203) 871-0356 to schedule a consultation.

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