6 Important Things Couples Should Talk About Before Marriage

While contemplating marriage is a matter of the heart, it’s also important that you involve your head and prepare yourself for it beforehand so you ease into life after marriage. Things to know before getting married, analyzing the living situation, finances and families – there is a lot happening. There are many things nobody tells you about marriage before a wedding.

But we have your back. Apart from the wedding ceremony and rituals, here are a few things you must take stock of and carefully consider before the big D-day arrives:

# Apply for a marriage license

This is the first and most important step that you must know and take while getting married is to legalize your marital bond. It not only secures your marriage as newlyweds but will also safeguard the partners in the likelihood of separation, divorce or demise of one of the spouses.

# Marriage laws are different according to religion

As a married couple, your marriage will be solemnized as per the laws in our country, and here your religion becomes an important factor. Marriage laws are different for people belonging to different religions and communities.

That’s why the various laws provided for interfaith or inter-community marriage are among the important things to know before marriage. If both partners are Hindu, then the marriage will be registered as per the Hindu Marriage Act, 1950. In case both partners belong to different religions, then the marriage will fall under the purview of the Special Marriage Act, 1954.

# Decide on your name change

This is one of the things couples should talk about before marriage. While it is not at all necessary for a wife to take her husband’s surname after marriage, if you wish to, then you have to apply for a name change with the state government gazette office.

The details of the changed name will also have to be published in at least one local newspaper. Alternatively, you can opt for a Joint Notarized Affidavit from a legal official. Either way, you must add this to your list of things to do before marriage.

# Discuss your partner’s past

One of the things to do before you get married is talking about the past so you can be on the same page in the future. Remember in India, marriage is not just the union of two people but also of their families. This would mean you directly become linked to their debts, assets, family issues and so on. Take the time to find out about your partner’s family and also about their past relationships.

# Things to look into in case of a second marriage

If this a second marriage either one or both of you, look into the terms of settlement in case of a divorce. Has your partner paid one-time alimony or are they paying regular maintenance to their ex-spouse? If yes, how much it is and how much will be left from their earnings to contribute to your new household?

It is also important to know your partner’s custody arrangement, if there are children involved, and their expectations from you vis-a-vis a relationship with the stepchildren.

# Discuss each other’s finances

One of the things to do before getting married is to have a discussion about money. This does not mean you have a loveless marriage but that you are a pragmatic couple. This is something that people usually don’t do in love marriages but this is the most important thing to be discussed.