We at Barrows Levy, PLLC, would like to congratulate you on your engagement and upcoming marriage. While it is understandable to get caught up in the excitement of this next chapter, you must not lose sight of the fact that marriage is also a legal and financial matter. And so, you and your fiancé must prioritize clear communication of your expectations going into this marriage and address potential areas of conflict head-on. Arguably, the best way to do this may be through pre-marriage counseling. With that being said, please follow along to find out how one of the proficient Long Island pre-marriage mediation lawyers at Barrows Levy, PLLC, can offer you the guidance you are seeking.
Common Topics Covered in Pre-Marriage Mediation
First of all, pre-marriage mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which both partners work with a neutral, third-party mediator to discuss and resolve issues that may affect their future life together. Topics commonly entail financial planning and budgeting, along with career and family expectations.
For example, a couple may communicate their long-term goals, like homeownership and retirement plans, and how they may accomplish this through savings and investment strategies. Also, they may set clear expectations for how household expenses will be managed, how existing debts will be satisfied, and more.
Then, a couple may talk about the future family they plan on having together. These conversations may cover how household and parental duties will be shared, and whether one partner is willing to sacrifice their career advancement to take on these responsibilities full-time. Also, they may get as specific as expressing the timing at which they want to start having children.
If nothing else, pre-marriage mediation may help strengthen a couple’s interpersonal skills, communication patterns, and conflict-resolution tactics. It can benefit any couple to begin their marriage with such transparency and intention.
When Mediation May Lead to a Prenuptial Agreement
For many couples, pre-marriage mediation serves as a natural bridge to crafting a prenuptial agreement. Namely, this is a legally binding contract between partners that outlines how financial matters, assets, and other relevant responsibilities will be handled in the event of divorce or death.
With that said, mediation itself cannot replace legal advice. But one of our skilled pre-marriage mediation lawyers at Barrows Levy, PLLC, can step in to translate the agreement you produced with a mediator into an enforceable contract if desired. We will work tirelessly to review the financial disclosures you submitted, explain the legal implications of your proposed terms, and ultimately draft and finalize a prenuptial agreement that protects both your and your fiancé’s interests.
Why Hire a Pre-Marriage Mediation Lawyer
A pre-marriage mediation lawyer essentially combines the neutral support of a mediator with the legal insight of a lawyer. That is, we will not take sides or advocate for one partner over the other. Rather, we will facilitate a collaborative discussion. At the same time, we will offer our legal counsel when we see fit to ensure that your rights and interests are fully understood and protected at all times.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
The Long Island pre-marriage mediation lawyers at Barrows Levy, PLLC, represent engaged couples throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the greater Long Island area. If you want to start your marriage with open communication, clear expectations, and well-crafted agreements that respect shared goals, there is no one better than us to help. Contact our law firm today to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to lending a helping hand and being a small part of your well-prepared future together.
