Your Post-Honeymoon Legal Checklist
The wedding is over, the honeymoon bags are unpacked, and real life begins. While it may not be as exciting as planning a reception or booking flights, taking care of a few key legal tasks after marriage is essential. Marriage changes your legal and financial landscape. Updating important documents now can prevent confusion, protect your spouse, and give you peace of mind for the future. Here’s your post-honeymoon legal checklist to help you start married life on the right foot.
1. Update Your Name (If Applicable)
If you or your spouse changed your last name, update it consistently across all legal and financial records.
Start with:
Social Security Administration
Driver’s license or state ID
Passport
Employer and payroll records
Once your legal name is updated, notify banks, lenders, insurers, and other institutions.
2. Review and Update Your Estate Plan
Marriage is a major life event that should trigger an estate plan review—even if you already have one.
Update or create:
Will or Revocable Living Trust
Durable Power of Attorney
Health Care Proxy / Advance Directive
HIPAA Authorization
If you don’t update these documents, your spouse may not automatically have authority to make financial or medical decisions for you.
3. Revisit Beneficiary Designations
Many assets pass outside of a will or trust.
Check and update beneficiaries on:
Life insurance policies
Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA)
Payable-on-death bank accounts
Transfer-on-death investment accounts
Outdated beneficiaries are one of the most common—and costly—estate planning mistakes.
4. Consider Property Ownership Choices
If you purchased property before or after marriage, review how it is titled.
Options may include:
Joint tenancy
Tenancy by the entirety (where available)
Trust ownership
The way property is titled affects inheritance rights, creditor protection, and what happens if something unexpected occurs.
5. Update Insurance Coverage
Marriage often changes insurance needs.
Review:
Health insurance elections
Life insurance coverage amounts
Homeowners or renters insurance
Auto insurance policies
Ensure your coverage reflects your new household and future goals.
6. Discuss Financial Roles and Responsibilities
Marriage is as much a legal partnership as it is a personal one.
Have conversations about:
Joint vs. separate accounts
Bill-pay responsibilities
Emergency funds
Long-term goals
Clear expectations now can prevent misunderstandings later.
7. Revisit or Create a Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement
If you have significant assets, children from a prior relationship, or a business, a postnuptial agreement may be appropriate—even if you didn’t sign a prenup.
These agreements can clarify expectations and protect both spouses.
8. Plan for Incapacity—Not Just Death
Estate planning isn’t just about what happens when you pass away.
Make sure your plan addresses:
Who can manage finances if you’re incapacitated
Who can make medical decisions
How medical information is shared
These documents are especially important early in marriage.
9. Coordinate Your Plan With State Law
Marriage affects:
Inheritance rights
Spousal elective share laws
Community or separate property rules (depending on your state)
An estate planning attorney can ensure your plan aligns with local laws and your intentions.
10. Schedule an Estate Planning Check-In
Even if you’ve handled everything on this list, schedule periodic reviews—especially after major milestones like buying a home, having children, or starting a business.
Final Thoughts
Marriage is a celebration of love—but it’s also a legal and financial partnership. Completing your post-honeymoon legal checklist ensures your new life together is protected, organized, and intentional.
A little planning now can prevent big problems later—and give you more time to enjoy being newly married.