Courtesy of Long & Paulo-Lee, PLLC

When counting the days to saying “I do” in preparation for your wedding, are you also planning for the days following when you’ll be making decisions regarding your first home purchase, family business, or first child? Planning for life’s possibilities may seem like an impossible task, but there is tremendous comfort in knowing that no matter what happens, you have a legally enforceable plan based on love and logic.

Sarah hadn’t planned on meeting someone she could share her life with, but after finding the love of her life, she embarked on planning meticulously for the big day. Frustrated with the stress of it all, Sarah left all the planning to her fiancé who she believed understood her likes and dislikes. But, unable to read Sarah’s mind, Alex found himself in the midst of chaos. Both were relieved when it was over, and they could simply enjoy their time together.

Despite being happily married, Alex and Sarah wanted to avoid any further mistakes by creating a Postnuptial Agreement with the help of an attorney. They looked at things that might become important to them in the future, such as illness, care of their children, financial burdens, and more. They had signed a Prenuptial Agreement prior to the wedding regarding what would happen to Sarah’s previously owned home and property that she or Alex brought into the marriage.

Sarah didn’t realize that the same type of planning for everything that came before the wedding, was also important as they moved forward with their lives. After discussion, she and Alex thought a Postnuptial Agreement and Health Care Proxy was important. The Postnuptial Agreement addressed how they would handle decisions as a married couple, including any property she and Alex purchased together, how their children should be cared for, and how to care for each other, should that become necessary.

The Health Care Proxy addressed Sarah’s wishes should a catastrophe strike requiring a decision if she were unable to speak for herself. They also outlined Alex’s wishes, which gave Sarah the authority to speak for him if he could not speak for himself. Working together provided each with clarity and direction for life’s uncertain twists and turns.

While no couple can prepare for all of life’s mysteries and trials, you and your happily-ever-after deserve a fighting chance to make it through them all. Planning for eventualities, inevitabilities, and the outliers takes a lot of the guesswork out of enjoying that fairy tale you so deserve.

For preparation of Marital Contracts, Prenuptial Agreements, Health Care Proxies, or Estate Planning, contact the law offices of Long & Paulo-Lee. Long & Paulo-Lee’s dedicated staff will work with you and your family to help ensure that when emotions are running high, you will be able to focus on what’s important, instead of worrying about what you’ve already thoughtfully planned for.

Visit www.longpaulolee.com, or call Attorney Olivia T. Paulo-Lee at 716-634-7400 to make an appointment.