10 tips for maintaining your marriage... when everything is going well

In my practice of family law lawyer in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, I often accompany couples who would have liked to anticipate certain discussions before tensions set in.

Here are 10 concrete tips to strengthen your union on a daily basis.

1. Align your financial vision (without taboos)

Finances are often a source of misunderstandings. Putting your cards on the table from the start is a real guarantee of serenity: income, fixed expenses, alert thresholds... nothing should remain implicit.

💡 Tip: Define your common goals (savings, projects, security), open individual accounts and a joint account, and set clear rules for “fun” spending.

2. Define a fair way of contributing

The 50/50 rule is not always fair. In some couples, a contribution in proportion to income is more appropriate.

💡 Tip: Set your distribution methods, automate your transfers (joint account, budget envelopes) and check in every 3 to 6 months.

3. Choose your matrimonial regime (without going forward blindly)

Common investments, building up assets, possible separation: everything results from the chosen matrimonial regime. This legal framework conditions your rights and obligations.

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💡 Tip: Talk about it early, consult a notary or a family law lawyer, and choose an appropriate regime (community, separation of property, participation in acquisitions, etc.).
👉 To go further: discover my advice on marriage contract.

4. Anticipate the transmission of assets

Gifts, inheritances and life insurance clauses can become a source of tension if they are not addressed in advance.

💡 Tip: Depending on your situation, explore marital benefits, wills or beneficiary clauses. Prevention is better than cure.

5. Protect a spouse who is putting their career on hold

Behind a family choice (parental leave, international mobility, availability) lies an invisible investment that deserves recognition.

💡 Tip: plan a balanced distribution (dedicated investments, adjustments to the matrimonial regime, regular review of your wealth strategy).

6. Balance daily tasks

Shopping, laundry, children, family organization: clarifying responsibilities prevents silent grudges.

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💡 Tip: list all the tasks, divide them according to the constraints of each one and readjust regularly.

7. Anticipate your career prospects

A demanding promotion, a resumption of studies or a mobility abroad... this can be prepared for two.

💡 Tip: Look forward to 12—24 months, discuss logistics, childcare, possible compensation, and ensure the support of your spouse.

8. Cultivate intimate complicity

Silence around the subject is often more harmful than the subject itself.

💡 Tip: Plan regular moments for two, discuss your desires and needs without judgment, and avoid the gap from widening.

9. Clarify your relationship rules

Some questions should never remain implicit: individual freedom, the framework of fidelity, limits...

💡 Tip: Set your rules, agree on warning signs, and establish a routine of regular updates.

10. Dare to ask for outside help

Sometimes, a neutral perspective helps to unblock a situation.

💡 Tip: consulting a mediator, marriage counselor, or lawyer does not mean that your couple is in trouble. On the contrary, it's proof that you want to build better.
👉 Discover also: family mediation as a tool for dialogue.

In summary

Preserving your relationship means daring to talk about everything, even — and especially — when everything is going well.

‍Julie THIBAULT, I am a family law lawyer in Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

👉 I support couples and families in their life choices: marriage, separation, child custody, amicable divorce or divorce litigation.