Will you have a joint checking account? Who will take care of the joint bills? Will both partners work? How will the income be dispersed? How much spending money should each partner have for the week? How will taxes be paid? Do you want to purchase a home? How will it be financed? How is your credit report at this time-Have you shown each other your credit status? Will there be a limit on credit card spending? How much money per week should be allocated for a date/night/entertainment/travel?

Do you each want children? How many? What religion will you raise them? Is the sex of the child important? Have you discussed names? Is a college education important for your children? If so, how will you plan for that? Who will raise the child-stay home in the early months? Do you both agree on childcare-what type and at what age? How will the duties of childcare be split (night feedings, diapers, bathing, feeding, night time rituals and homework)?

How do you currently get along with each other's parents? Is there stress, and why? Do one set of parents get overly involved in your daily activities as a couple? What if they mettle with your important decisions? Can you put your marital relationship first above your parental relationship? How much time will you give to your parents/week/month? Where will you spend what holidays? What is the protocol on gifts for holidays and birthdays? Would you ever borrow money from your in-laws; if so, how would it be handled?

Have you ever had an open discussion on each other's sexual needs and desires? If there is a discomforting topic, have you discussed it thoroughly? Does one partner want to do something the other is not willing to do- how will you handle this? How much sex is enough or not enough week/month? What will happen during pregnancy and if you have children? Do you agree to continue to date as lovers-each week, even after the "newness" wears off? What are the types of intimate dates and settings that are important for you to have?

If there are children from prior relationships, there are special issues that need to be addressed. Who is the disciplinarian of whose children? How will affection be expressed? Are the children happy about the impending marriage-or showing signs of distress and jealousy (anger, acting-out, withdrawing, whining, clinginess, fighting with future siblings)? Where will the new family live-are the children loosing space in their territory (bedroom) by needing to share? What will the new purchases be to start a new live together? Are you willing to enter into family counseling if the children are having trouble adjusting?

What religion will you choose as a family-what holidays will be observed, and where will you spend these holidays? How often will you attend religious services? What faith will you raise your children?