May 11, 2021

How A Family Lawyer Can Help Get Your Marriage Off On The Right Foot

Seeing a family lawyer after you get married is an important step to plan your future together. Read on to learn more!

Getting married, especially in Western countries such as the USA, is seen as a wonderful and unique rite of passage in most people's lives. The joining of two people together legally (and spiritually, if you're so inclined) is a special and sacred bond in our culture that entire industries are built around. From getting engaged and picking out rings together to choosing a wedding venue and hiring a caterer, couples tend to like the positive hustle and bustle that occurs around them.

But anyone who has been married for a long time knows that the wedding party and festivities are only the beginning of a long journey. Marriage is called an institution for a reason — because it needs regular maintenance and work done to it in order to survive. Perhaps this realization is why couples tend to be getting married older and older with each successive generation. In fact, by 2016 the median age for a first marriage was 27.4 for women and 29.5 for men – roughly seven years more than the median ages in 1960 (20.3 for women and 22.8 for men).

In this brief article, we'll go over utilizing family law attorney services can help start your marriage off on the right foot. That is, how consulting with a lawyer about the legal challenges and solutions that marriage provides can help eliminate distress that might occur in the future and tie up loose ends.

Finances, Bank Accounts, and More

When a couple is newly married, they never expect to walk into a law office and discuss their finances with a stranger. Yet if the same couple splits up and each seeks out a divorce lawyer, this will be a common theme that they both share as they try to reconcile their unique assets. What changed? Finances simply weren't part of "the plan" in the beginning.

Before you get to this point in the road, it's much better to have a legal discussion about joint bank accounts, finances, and what should happen in case of death or illness with a lawyer than to simply wait for the inevitable to happen. Family law attorney services will not be able to give you investment or savings advice, but they will be able to legally tie up who owns the money in the relationship and what they can do with it, no matter what happens.

Health and Aging

It has been said many times before that nobody likes to get old. While that is debatable, it is undeniable that at some point everyone does get old and encounters health issues. Most couples on their wedding day make vows to be there in "sickness and in health," but are they confident that will apply 50 years down the line? Instead, it is much better to have in writing what will happen to each member of the couple should they not be able to make health decisions for themselves, catered towards their desires and best wishes.

Who Gets the Children?

Last, but certainly not least, utilizing family law attorney services can help resolve one of the most emotionally fraught aspects of marriage: child custody. Should you and your sweetheart end up in a situation in which your children are up for debate, you will want ironclad legal protection so that you know exactly who your children will be sent to (next of kin or preferred guardian) or how you can retain custody in any situation. Even if your marriage is wonderful, but both of you fall ill or are involved in an unfortunate accident, you will want to be confident in this information.

Meeting With a Lawyer Won't Jinx Your Marriage

Many couples may understandably be hesitant to meet with a lawyer that offers family law attorney services because they might find it unnecessary or superfluous. In order to distract from the seriousness that lawyers are associated with, they may even joke that they do not want to "jinx" their marriage. But having a lawyer set up wills, trusts, or help plan your marriage legally for the future comes with so many benefits that you're actually "jinxing" your marriage by leaving it to chance! Don't ever delay, plan today!

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Preparing for Mediation: What to Expect and How to Succeed

By Analytics Import • May 29, 2025

Mediation offers an alternative to traditional litigation, providing parties with a chance for resolution without the need for a courtroom battle. Understanding what to expect during mediation and preparing adequately is crucial for anyone seeking a successful outcome. This process involves a neutral third party who assists in negotiating a mutually agreeable solution between the parties involved. Whether you are working independently or through a divorce lawyer, getting ready for mediation requires a strategic approach and a clear understanding of your own goals and those of the opposing party. Understanding the Mediation Process with a Divorce Lawyer The mediation process often begins with each party providing an opening statement, outlining their position and goals. It is essential to prepare these statements ahead of time, focusing on facts and desired outcomes rather than emotions or confrontational language. A well-prepared statement can set the tone for a productive session and open the door for constructive dialogue. A divorce lawyer can assist in crafting a statement that is clear, persuasive, and aligned with your best interests. Remember that the goal of mediation is not to "win" but to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement that addresses the concerns of both parties. Exploring Possible Solutions During Mediation Throughout the mediation, the mediator plays a pivotal role in guiding discussions, identifying potential solutions, and helping manage emotions. According to the American Bar Association (ABA), a good mediator typically has a success rate of at least 75% in pretrial disputes. This impressive statistic underscores the importance of choosing a qualified mediator who can facilitate effective negotiations. Working with a divorce lawyer during this stage ensures your rights and priorities are properly represented, helping you navigate complex issues like parenting arrangements or property division with clarity. Why Flexibility Matters in Mediation Another key element to successful mediation is flexibility. Being open to alternative solutions and remaining adaptable to new ideas can lead to more efficient problem-solving. It's vital to enter mediation with a clear understanding of your bottom line, but also a willingness to make reasonable concessions. A skilled divorce lawyer can help you define those boundaries and adjust your approach as discussions unfold. Flexibility can often mean the difference between resolution and an impasse, paving a path toward a settlement that meets the needs of all parties involved. Preparing for Mediation with Expert Legal Guidance Preparing for mediation requires a combination of strategic planning, effective communication, and an open mind. By focusing on facts, seeking a skilled mediator, and remaining adaptable, you increase your chances of a favorable outcome. Mediation presents an opportunity to resolve disputes amicably, efficiently, and often with a high success rate, benefiting all parties by avoiding the stress and expense of litigation. Ready to approach mediation with confidence? Contact the Law Office of Arthur J. White III, P.C. for experienced legal guidance that helps you prepare, communicate effectively, and achieve the best possible resolution.