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MONEY BASICS
with MARTIN HESSE
MARRIAGE CONTRACTS: WHAT’S BEST FOR YOU? TYING the knot is a big deal, and it's not just about choosing a partner who loves you and will complement you and bring out the best in you. Financially it's one of the most important decisions of your life. You know what they say about important decisions, right? The more information you have, the more considered and balanced a judgement you will be able to
make. If things turn out badly, you will not be able to say you weren't aware of the possible consequences. For example, if the man you are marrying physically abused his previous girlfriend, it's better you know that upfront. Having that knowledge, you may still decide to marry him, but at least you will have factored possible negative outcomes into your decision.
And so it is with the type of marriage option you commit to, of which there are three: 1. IN COMMUNITY OF PROPERTY This is the default option – it doesn't require you to go to a lawyer and have anything drawn up. Under this option, you and your partner combine what each of you own into what is known as
