It is so great to be young and in love. These days some couples choose to get married and some do not. There can be a big difference in the way that the financial situations are handled depending on the state of the relationship. When couples are married there is a sense of permanency even if that is not always the case. Sadly, divorce is all too common these days. Just because couples are only living together also does not necessarily mean that things will not be long term.

There are two different ways that couple finances can be done, jointly or alone. Some will decide to have only one checking and saving account, have all there money pooled together, and jointly sign leases and utility services. This will usually work out fine as long as the relationship is going well. In many relationships money can become the main source of contention and if there are other relationship problems as well, then it could get really ugly.

One of the easiest ways that many people avoid this pitfall when they get married is by signing a prenuptial agreement. Of course, when a potential marriage partner is asked to sign one of these agreements, it can put a damper on the relationship right away. It can present the assumption that the asking partner does not really trust the signer or that they have doubts about whether the relationship will even last.

Whether anyone signs a prenuptial agreement with a marriage or not, there is another way to handle finances even with live in couples. If both partners have their own individual income, then keeping that income separate might be the best thing for some relationships. This way each partner maintains control over their own affairs and certain expenses can be split equally. Buying a home together could be a little tricky using this method. If you buy a home together and the relationship ends, having two names on the deed just about always presents a problem.

When buying land or a home together, there really should be some sort of legal agreement about how the home will be used or disposed of if the relationship ends. Many times couples will choose to sell the home, pay off the mortgage, and split what is left over. This might be the most amicable solution.

These days money creates all kinds of problems anyway when there is not enough to go around. If you are going to get married or even just live together, you might wish to consider some financial and relationship counseling before you start a life together. Problems that can have resolutions in place before they ever happen can be a very good thing.