Although all your energy leading up to the big day is spent on planning for the wedding, safeguarding the future should take priority after tying the knot. That’s why newlyweds are encouraged to meet with an attorney who can help with the following legal issues. 

3 Legal Matters to Address After Getting Married

1. Add & Adjust Insurance Policies

To ensure your spouse is financially secure in the event of your untimely death, you should invest in life insurance. The payout could cover mortgages, monthly bills, and debts. If you decide to combine car insurance policies to get a better rate, get life insurance from the same lender. Many companies offer further discounts to multi-policy holders. A lawyer can look over these contracts before you and your spouse sign.  

2. Draft A Will or Update An Existing One

Drafting or updating a will after getting married is essential. A will can be invalidated if it doesn’t meet legal requirements, so work with an estate attorney. They will make sure it includes an executor, a guardian for minor children, and an outline of who will inherit property. They will also make sure you sign and date the will in the presence of witnesses who also sign it.

An attorney can also help with other estate planning tasks, such as preparing a power of attorney. This will give your spouse legal authority to manage your finances if you are unable to do so temporarily or permanently. They can also be named in your healthcare directives to make medical decisions on your behalf.

3. Change Beneficiary Designations

An estate lawyer will let you know what assets aren’t covered in a will, including pensions and insurance policies. To ensure the funds transfer to your spouse immediately after death, make sure they are the beneficiary for your retirement plans, insurance policies, and bank accounts. An attorney will help with beneficiary designations, making sure you don’t leave anything out. 

For legal assistance after saying “I do,” contact J.P. Coleman Law, LLC, Attorneys at Law, with offices in Robertsdale, Alabama and Metairie, Louisiana. Since the firm’s founding in 2012, their experienced licensed attorneys have been striving to help clients plan for the future and reach favorable outcomes in civil, family, custody, and criminal law cases. Schedule a free consultation online or call (251) 947-6247. Follow them on Facebook for more legal advice.