Marriage is not just the union of two individuals but also the merging of two families and two ways of life. As a seasoned lawyer specializing in marital law, I have witnessed countless cases where insufficient premarital preparation led to marriage breakdowns. To help you better safeguard your marriage, the following 28 tips cover critical aspects to focus on before and after marriage, so you can enter this commitment fully informed and prepared.
I. Key Premarital Checks
1. Deeply Understand Each Other’s Family Background
One’s family of origin profoundly shapes personality, values, and views on marriage. Many divorces stem from unresolved issues related to family backgrounds.
- Women often must leave their families due to traditional marital customs, creating spatial and psychological separation that can help cut dependency on their family of origin.
- Men, however, are often still under the protection of parents and the patriarchal culture, making it harder to fully separate and potentially resulting in “mama’s boys” or those overly obligated to siblings, which strains the couple’s relationship.
Therefore, before marriage, seriously evaluate each partner’s attitude toward their family of origin, especially watch for those lacking independence or excessively reliant on their family.
2. Exchange and Verify Credit Reports to Ensure Financial Transparency
Credit reports reflect not only personal credit status but also reveal property ownership, loans, and marital status.
- Check the Supreme People’s Court’s dishonest debtor list to confirm if the other party is blacklisted.
- Obtain credit reports in person or together from the People’s Bank branches to understand loan status, credit card use, and spouse information.
This helps avoid financial disputes post-marriage, especially uncovering hidden prior marriages or financial risks.
3. Conduct a Comprehensive Premarital Medical Examination Together
Health is the foundation of a happy marriage. Besides screening for infectious, hereditary, and mental illnesses, fertility checks are equally important, particularly for couples planning children. It is advisable to do the checkups at the same hospital for ease of verification and mutual trust.
4. Verify Property Registration to Avoid Post-Marriage Real Estate Disputes
In cities with strict purchase restrictions, premarital property checks are critical.
- Confirm if the “marital home” is registered under the partner’s name to prevent situations where the home is bought under parents’ names but the couple pays the mortgage without ownership.
- Investigate how many properties the partner owns to assess if you remain eligible for home-buying subsidies after marriage and plan your home purchase accordingly.
5. Check Marriage Records to Assess Obligations from Previous Marriages
If the partner has been previously married, carefully review divorce agreements.
- Are alimony and compensation amounts reasonable?
- Who assumes responsibility for mortgages, debts, and property?
These factors directly impact financial burdens and stability in the new marriage.
6. Check Police Records to Prevent Domestic Violence Risks
Though there is no public “domestic violence registry,” one can check police reports and communication records with previous spouses to assess potential domestic abuse. Multiple reports or negative feedback should raise caution.
II. Adultery and Its Legal Consequences Explained
7. Adultery Does Not Automatically Mean the Offending Party Loses Property
The law does not mandate forfeiture of property due to adultery. Courts typically decide property division based on the overall circumstances.
8. Does Adultery Affect Property Division?
Adultery is not a statutory reason to reduce property share but may be considered by judges as a discretionary factor affecting rulings.
9. Compensation Only Applies in Cases of Bigamy or Cohabitation
According to Article 46 of the Marriage Law, only cases involving bigamy or cohabitation with a third party entitle the innocent party to compensation. Affairs or emotional infidelity do not qualify.
10. Analysis of Compensation Amounts in Real Cases
In recent years, courts have increasingly ruled on adultery compensation, usually modest amounts between RMB 10,000 to 30,000, and adultery cases make up roughly 20% of divorce judgments.
III. Practical Premarital Advice
11. Don’t Rush Marriage; Wait Until Career and Self-Identity Stabilize
Early in life, understanding of oneself and relationships is immature. Rushing marriage often leads to mismatched partners. Career stability helps clarify needs and find truly compatible mates.
12. Check Credit Reports and Verify if the Partner Is a “Deadbeat” or Has Poor Credit
Use the National Enforcement Information Publicity Website and the People’s Bank credit reports to evaluate financial risks.
13. Review Marriage Records to Confirm Previous Marital Agreements and Liabilities
Avoid being burdened by debts or obligations from former marriages.
14. Insist on Premarital Medical Checkups to Ensure Both Parties’ Health
Exclude disease risks, especially regarding fertility, to prevent future conflicts.
15. Verify Property Records to Avoid Losing Eligibility for Post-Marriage Home Purchases
Keep track of registrations and plan property purchases wisely.
16. Prefer Buying Property Yourself to Reduce Ownership Disputes
Purchasing property outright secures personal ownership and minimizes shared property conflicts after marriage.
17. Strictly Avoid Private Mortgage Purchases to Prevent Opaque Finances
Home buying and renovations require joint agreement to ensure transparency and protect rights.
18. Clarify Fund Sources; Gifts and Loans Must Be Documented
Prevent later disputes, particularly when involving parental money.
19. When Buying Property Together, Sign Written Ownership Proportion Agreements
This ensures fair division in case of divorce, reducing conflict.
20. Complete Transfer of Betrothal Gifts and Dowry Before Marriage Registration
Legally, betrothal gifts remain personal property, while dowry is often presumed joint marital property.
21. Cohabitation, Property Purchase, Remarriage, and Entrepreneurial Couples Should Prioritize Prenuptial Agreements
Set legal boundaries for complex property situations.
IV. Practical Advice for Post-Marriage Management and Protection
22. Encourage Career Development and Reasonable Household Chores Sharing
Balance family and career, use domestic help to improve life quality.
23. When Parents Fund the Home Purchase, Recommend Full Payment and Registration Under Recipient’s Name
Avoid future ownership disputes and protect personal assets.
24. When Only One Side’s Parents Fund, Notarized Gift Contracts Are Crucial
Ensure funds are recognized as gifts, not loans.
25. Jointly Funded Properties Should Be Registered Under Both Spouses’ Names
Prevent unilateral transfer or malicious handling.
26. Beware of Conditional Gifts or Loans from Parents
Clear agreements are key.
27. Strictly Prohibit Using Housing Reform Qualifications to Buy Property in Another’s Name
If buying commercial housing in another’s name, have complete holding agreements.
28. Regularly Convert Savings into Fixed Assets to Prevent Asset Transfer or Concealment
Fixed assets are harder to move or hide than cash.
29. Protect Premarital Property to Avoid It Being Classified as Marital Property
Use legal means and agreements to safeguard.
30. Avoid Being Listed as Executive in Partner’s Company to Evade Company Debts
“Joint management” is often deemed joint debt by courts.
31. Strengthen Personal Phone Security to Prevent Debt Creation via Mobile
Set lock screen passwords and SIM PINs to avoid unauthorized loans.
32. Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence; Respond Timely to Protect Yourself
Domestic violence is extreme control; early intervention maintains marital health.
33. Notarize Guardianship Designations to Ensure Reliable Agents in Emergencies
Prevent lack of management for property or medical decisions if incapacitated.
34. Track Partner’s Key Assets Like Bank Accounts, Insurance, and Stock Accounts
Avoid blind spots in divorce asset division.
35. In Cases of Infidelity, Signing Property Agreements Is Better Than Relying on Vague Loyalty Promises
Clearly stipulate asset division for legal enforceability.
36. No “Fake Divorce” Legally Exists; Divorce Certificate Terminates Marriage
Reconciliation requires new registration; agreements cannot guarantee remarriage.
37. Divorce Is Both Psychological and Legal Battle; Don’t Underestimate It
Avoid blind self-doubt or overestimating the other party.
38. Keep Learning Marriage Laws and Stay Updated on Regulation Changes
Enhance legal awareness and proactively manage risks.
Marriage is a long journey that requires emotional nourishment as well as rational and legal protection. Only by thorough premarital preparation and prudent post-marital management can conflicts be minimized, rights safeguarded, and a happy marriage realized. I hope these 28 tips become your strong shield on the marital path, providing both love’s sweetness and security’s assurance.