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Protecting Your Marriage Before the “I Do’s”
Arizona Family Law Firm Releases Top 10 Steps To Ensure A New Marriage Runs Smoothly

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 22, 2007) – After selecting china patterns, ironing out wedding details and planning the perfect honeymoon, many soon-to-be-married couples discover they have overlooked some of the key elements to starting a successful new marriage, but one Arizona family law firm has released 10 steps for every couple tying the knot to ensure a smooth marriage from the moment of “I Do.”

Whether it’s establishing appropriate credit card limits for what is financially demanded by a new marriage, taking inventory of all belongings being brought into the marriage or creating a plan for the ownership of the marital residence, taking steps to ensure each party is upfront about their current and past financial situation, assets and homeownership goals before saying “I Do” can save the marriage from ever turning sour.

Having seen even the most high-profile and high-net-worth marriages fail because both parties are not clear about their partner’s past, present and future as it relates to finances and assets, Alexander D. Nirenstein, co-founder and managing member of NRG Family Law in Scottsdale, Ariz., has outlined the steps necessary to help couples address some of these key issues before walking down the aisle:

1. Have a clear, accurate and realistic understanding of your financial situation.
2. Identify all existing assets or debts.
3. Gather all documents and records from financial institutions pertaining to accounts for the current and previous two years to ensure .
4. Contact your credit card issuers to ensure that the credit limits in place agree with the financial needs of a new marriage.
5. Obtain information from your employers pertaining to 401(k) accounts, pensions, stock options, deferred compensation and other retirement account information.
6. Inventory all personal property of significant value and all items of sentimental value acquired prior to entering into the marriage.
7. Obtain and review a copy of your most recent credit reports.
8. Create a monthly expense report projecting regularly incurred and projected expenses planned for the next five years.
9. Formulate a plan regarding both short-term and long-term goals concerning the occupancy and eventual ownership of the marital residence.
10. Consider a prenuptial agreement.

Addressing the key issues he has seen most often associated with divorce in a new marriage, Nirenstein says following these steps is just another way to open up the lines of communication before it’s too late.

“Getting caught up in the details of a wedding can often distract couples from dealing with the core factors in their lives that will be impacted by a marriage and could cause problems,” said Nirenstein. “When you take someone’s last name, you are also taking on any debts and credit problems your partner may have and acknowledging that your property is now “our” property.”

NRG is headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., with an office in Chandler/Tempe, and hosts Arizona’s family law blog at www.azfamilylawblog.com.

About Nirenstein Ruotolo Group P.L.C. (NRG Family Law)
Founded in 2003, the Nirenstein Ruotolo Group P.L.C. (NRG Family Law) has grown to be one of Arizona’s most-respected family-law firms. Recognized nationally as the Southwest’s most prestigious boutique family-law firm, NRG’s attorneys have represented both prominent social figures and celebrities in some of the most complex and highly litigated divorce, property separation and interstate and international child custody cases. With a renowned team of nine family lawyers, litigation analysts, paralegals and support personnel, NRG utilizes a group approach to each case, offering the legal experience and expertise needed for all types of family law disputes. As a public service, NRG also hosts Arizona’s family law blog at www.azfamilylawblog.com. For more information on NRG, visit www.nrglaw.net.

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