Pre-Nuptual Financial To-Dos

As unromantic as it may seem, giving a potential spouse the financial once-over is a wise idea, says Esther M. Berger, a certified financial planner and author of “Money Smart Divorce.”

Here are some of the items on the to-do list before saying I do:

Send away for each other’s credit reports. Are there outstanding debts? What monthly payments does the other have? Are there any payments that are behind? What’s being done to correct black marks on the credit reports?

Check for IRS tax liens or any outstanding tax debt.

Look for a history of bankruptcy. Is your future mate embroiled in a lawsuit that might affect his or her financial future?

Ask what the plans are for supporting children from prior marriages?

Determine how property will be titled. Will both names appear on previously held homes?

Examine savings and retirement plans. How would each spouse be able to contribute if one lost a job or there was some other financial disaster? What about disability insurance, for example?

Review inheritance plans. Is either spouse in line for a large inheritance? Will the other spouse affect that? What estate plans do you have?

“I’m a big believer in ‘yours, mine and ours,”’ Berger says. “People should have assets of their own when they enter a marriage. If the marriage ends, those assets should exit with you as well.”