More than 42 million Americans have been married twice or more. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, that’s nearly double the number of remarried individuals in 1980, and triple that of 1960. In recent years, 40% of marriages have involved at least one previously married partner. The numbers are even more pronounced in Texas; our state’s population-per-capita of remarried people far exceeds the national average.
A number of reasons account for this rise. As noted by U.S. News & World Report, divorce rates in our country have increased, giving more people the opportunity to remarry. Likewise, life expectancy rates have improved – when people live longer, “there are more divorcees, widows and widowers” looking to marry again. And many remarry for financial stability. The incidence of poverty is far lower for remarried individuals than for single divorcees and widowed individuals.
Still, remarried individuals face a unique set of financial risks.
Why Are Remarried Individuals Vulnerable?
People marrying for a second, third, or fourth time rarely enter a marriage without prior obligations. Many have children to support. Still more have mortgages or financial investments they want to protect.
Yet U.S. News details that remarried adults are more likely to get divorced than people in their first marriage. As they surely know from their first time through the process, a divorce can leave their finances exposed, and jeopardize their ability to provide meaningfully for their children and grandchildren.
Protect Yourself Against Common Pitfalls
Many lawyers note that it is imperative for individuals to plan accordingly when remarrying. To this end, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are important tools for asset protection. Similarly, entering one’s property and other holdings into a trust for one’s progeny can ensure their financial safety going forward.
Without taking such steps, the benefits of remarriage can quickly lead to the stresses and difficulties of divorce.
