It’s not uncommon for people to divorce or lose a spouse. While these events can be life-changing, they don’t deter people from finding love again. Whether it didn’t work out for you the first time or you’re ready to move on after losing a spouse, here’s what you need to know about remarriage.
Getting married again changes a lot of things, from your social security arrangements to child custody. While there has been a decline in remarriage rates for both men and women, people still choose to do so, and you shouldn’t proceed without proper legal guidance.
1. Remarriage Terminates Alimony from an Ex
The first thing you should know is that getting married again affects the alimony or spousal support that you receive from a previous marriage. The court asks a spouse to pay alimony when one partner is not working or financially dependent on the other. The payment can be made in a lump sum, through the transfer of property, or can be paid out periodically for a stipulated time period.
When the spouse receiving support remarries, it automatically terminates their rights to alimony. You don’t have to request a court order for this or make any filings with the court. However, any pending payments still have to be paid to the dependent spouse.
2. Remarriage Terminates Social Security Benefits
When you choose to remarry, any Social Security benefits that you receive from your former spouse will be terminated. However, you may still be eligible for survivor’s benefits from your former spouse. You can also choose to take these benefits from your next marriage instead.
If your second marriage ends, you may be eligible for benefits from your previous marriage. In order to qualify for these benefits, certain conditions must be met, which you can check with your lawyer.
3. You’re Still Responsible for Your Children
Parents will always remain responsible for their children, even if they remarry. You will still have to meet child support and other conditions set out by the court. If the person you’re marrying has children of their own, however, it can affect the existing child support arrangements.
Stepparents also have the choice to adopt their spouse’s children; however, the other parent must give up their rights for this to happen. That means you will be financially and legally responsible for your adopted children.
4. Your Tax Filings Will Change
Your tax liability changes when you get married, and depending on your financial status, you may be entitled to benefits. You can choose to either file your taxes jointly with your spouse or file them separately, as both offer different benefits. For example, if one spouse has a lot of medical bills to pay, it may be better for you to file your taxes separately. It’s important to review your financial options with a professional before you decide to get married.
5. You Could Be Responsible for Your Spouse’s Debt
Finally, you may be held responsible for your spouse’s debt. If your spouse enters into debt following marriage, both partners are liable for it, as it’s considered joint liability. This is true, especially in states with community property laws. You should look into whether your spouse has any financial difficulties and consider protecting yourself from debt.
Final Thoughts
People choose to remarry for many reasons, but it’s important to consider the legal consequences of going down that path. It can affect everything from social security benefits to child custody arrangements. You should consult a good lawyer to figure out the best plan that will work for you. You may also want to draw up an agreement to prevent any complications in your marriage.
