Getting Ready for a Second Marriage

If you have previously been through a Bucks County divorce, the idea of entering a second marriage can bring about a range of emotions. You may feel excitement and hope for the future, yet also wary about your marriage ending the same way as your previous relationship. Taking steps to prepare for a second marriage can help you feel more confident and at ease when entering this new season. 

Consider a Prenuptial Agreement

A prenuptial agreement may have saved you a significant amount of headache in your divorce. You now have a better understanding than many people do about how love can fade and that the laws around what is “fair” in a divorce extend far beyond your beliefs. 

Even if you have no intentions of ever ending this second marriage, having a prenuptial agreement could be a responsible way of protecting yourself and your finances should the unexpected happen. Consider sitting down with your spouse-to-be to thoroughly discuss your finances and work with an attorney to create a legally binding prenuptial agreement. Premarital agreements can protect both of you and act as a safety net that you hopefully will never need to use. 

Explore Financial Implications and Alimony

Maybe you and your ex-spouse cut all ties after the divorce and have no remaining financial obligations or shared children. But if you still have ties to that relationship, you should understand how a new marriage will affect them. 

Specifically, are you receiving alimony from your previous spouse? Entering a new marriage may affect this payment. On the contrary, if you currently pay alimony to your ex-spouse, the payments you make could also be impacted once you become married. Speak with a divorce attorney about the potential financial implications and legal obligations surrounding your new marriage. 

Discuss Child Arrangements and Financial Obligations

Entering a second marriage with children from the first marriage is common. Blended families can spark several complexities that you and your partner should discuss before tying the knot. One such consideration is how your child custody and child support arrangements could be impacted. 

Will you be able to follow the same child custody arrangement, or will new obligations impact your parenting schedule? Your financial obligations to your children shouldn’t change, but you may have new expenses that affect your financial planning. 

If your spouse has children, you will now be acting as a stepparent. What will your responsibilities be in their parenting? How will you be expected to contribute to their financial upbringing? Discussing your marital expectations in depth can prevent confusion as you enter this new familial situation. 

Seek Legal Support From Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. 

Preparing for a second marriage may feel overwhelming, but an experienced family law attorney can help you thoroughly address all legal and estate considerations so that you can enter the marriage with confidence. Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., represents clients across a range of divorce and other family law matters. Request a confidential consultation today at (866) 311-6082 to learn how we can assist you.