In the wave of Kim Kardashian's marriage to Kris Humphries, and their filing for divorce just 72 days later, it's obvious this couple could have used some good pre-marital advice. (Almost as obvious as the fact that these two never did seem to be a match made in heaven.)
Though it's too late for Kim and Kris, it's not too late for all of you brides and grooms to-be. So today we are featuring a guest blog post, written by Family and Divorce Attorney Andrea Johnson White. We hope you can benefit from her insight.
"For the Newlyweds:
Congratulations on your new adventure! This will be a wonderful, exciting and busy time! I am by no means an expert in the field of marriage. I am not an accountant, financial planner or a psychologist. However, I am married, my parents were married for 41 years and I uniquely have the distinction of being a Family and Divorce Attorney. From my experience I would say that in learning what breaks up many marriages, I have the following keys to staying out of my office:
- Always communicate with each other – even if it isn’t perfect or pretty, just do it!
- Give each other a break – we all get caught up in everyday life and the stress that comes with it, go easy on each other, especially once you have children.
- Address all finances openly and often. It is not easy and not fun, but I find this becomes a major issue that divides if not discussed and resolved.
- Be honest and true to one another on all things.
- Be comfortable with the fact that you will be wrong sometimes, it’s ok.
- Never resort to any kind of violence or threatened violence, this is lose-lose for both of you and certainly your children if you have children.
- Make a savings account a number one priority and seek advice of an accountant and a financial planner immediately so you can get started on the right track together.
- Make an appointment to have a Last Will and Testament, Durable Power of Attorney and an Advance Health Care Directive done with an attorney. This is something most couples don’t think of, but it is so important and will give you peace of mind. "
The office of Andrea Johnson White, Esq. can help you with Adoption, basic Wills and Trusts, Prenuptial Agreements and Post nuptial Agreements. Please call or email with any questions at any time. We wish you the best in all you do and we wish you all the love and success of a happy marriage! Andrea Johnson White, Esq. ~ 901 SW Martin Downs Boulevard, Palm City, FL 34990 ~(772) 288-1975. aj@andreajohnsonlaw.com. www.andreajohnsonlaw.com
