<prompt> Human: Reading this thread sure has me asking the question: How can an individual best safeguard their personal financial interests prior to marriage?The big question here would be purchasing a house. If you can afford to buy a house before marriage...should you? If a house is under mortgage to you first, and you get married, is this sufficient to safeguard the asset from your spouse in the event of divorce?  <response>: I would incline to say no, because there are several unknown variables. its possible your spouse will be from a different state altogether and you might move. Its possible the house would not be the taste of the spouse. Its possible even within the same geographic area, both of you may want a different location especially school district assignment once kids are on the scene. Finally, not the least, your community and friend circle will change. You will be married, you will have kids. A house near parks, activities, good schools and among a community with people just like you will be a big thing. Being single, you just would not know any of this, and you will almost certainly buy the wrong house.And there is of course the possibility you wont get married. You might also get divorced quickly after finding incompatibility. Who knows how that dice turns out?Of course, suggest buy an investment property, live in it and rent out portions of it. Dont buy something that meets the needs of a family that is nonexistent. When you meet the right person, get married, have a happy life, and have kids planned or already on the scene, you will know you need that house. That will be the right time to buy the house. Edit: Sorry, didnt read the entire post. States may have different laws concerning assets accumulated prior to marriage. I honestly dont know what will happen to your primary residence in case of a divorce, and in fact, thats an excellent reason to not buy a house but just invest money in rental properties. 