Getting married to the love of your life is a joyful milestone that needs thorough planning and preparation. This guide contains an overview of the key legal considerations that all newlyweds in Hawaii must know about.
Before the ceremony
As you embark on this new chapter, you and your partner must address how you would like to proceed with these three important matters:
- Name-change decisions: Discuss whether one of you will change your last name or not. In Hawaii, name changes triggered by marriage require an update of Social Security records, passports, bank accounts and payroll records.
- Prenuptial agreements: If you and your partner want to establish clear boundaries about asset division, debt management, spousal support and/or pet custody in the event of separation or death, you should draft a prenuptial agreement with a lawyer.
- Marriage license and officiation: It is ideal to perform a background check on your wedding officiant before your big day. For instance, if they are not legally registered to officiate a wedding in Hawaii, your marriage will not be valid.
If you have plans to get pregnant or adopt a child soon, you may also consider establishing legal guardianship for them to ensure their welfare in case something unfortunate happens to both of you.
After the wedding
Within the first few weeks after your marriage, you and your partner must modify your legal and financial records. Four of which include:
- Update your driver’s license to match your current legal name
- Update your bank accounts, credit cards and investment accounts
- Check your current health insurance plan to see if it includes spouse coverage
- Ask your human resources department to update your employee records and benefits
Tying the knot is not just about building a life together. It is also about pursuing your careers, sharing your vulnerabilities and being each other’s support through it all. By enhancing your legal documents and updating your personal records early, you can protect your rights and minimize the occurrence of disputes in the future.