Best advice is don't get married. BUT many men have different goals in mind,maybe they want to raise children or maybe they want a more traditional relationship or whatever. Here are the things you need to know and do before getting married.

GET A PRENUP

Prenups can be thrown out, but its better to have them then not at all. They are very good at protecting premarital assets and can be used to limit legal claims on future assets. They can also help in saving money on lawyers in divorce. One of the main advantage of prenups is that they can be used to gauge the motives of soon to be wife as they need to be negotiated. If she comes off as combative, unwilling to compromise, and in any way looking to you as a ATM or retirement account, you will know.

Best thing they can do is eliminate Alimony or at the very least limit it.

You both NEED A LAWYER and make it fair as possible. Prenups can also be used as leverage where you can get leverage in custody battles. (Prenup generally can't dictate custody but can give you leverage like you can avoid years long custody battle in exchange of part of your premarital asset.). Remember you would most likely have to defend them so plan accordingly. (Also infidelity clauses are tricky as they may work against you if you are higher earner but may be rejected if your wife is not a high earner in "name of fairness").

NO SAHM

Avoid SAHM arrangement. Worst case scenario generally happens when SAHM is present. Here is a woman with limited prospects without you, who has incentive and need to go after you for her survival and you will be footing the bill for lawyer to screw you. Daycares are expensive SAHM is very very very expensive. Also if you are hit by a car or something than your children may have to go in assisted housing while your wife has to fight insurance company for you life insurance. If she is a working mom at least your children will stay afloat. (even if she earns significantly less than you, don't let her be SAHM).

GET A DNA TEST

Prenatal DNA tests are very safe and non invasive and worth their money in gold. Broach subject before planning for pregnancy. She may be hurt but explain clearly that you don't want to keep such an important thing to chance. A wife's most important quality is to rise up from her emotions to do whats best for family. If she can't do that well my best advice is to run for the hills.

TAKE PATERNITY LEAVE

Very important for custody battles. Take it if its possible.

CHILDCARE

Be very involved in childcare and document it. Not only it gets you out of rut of parenting(as it very difficult to get feedback for parenting unlike lets say your job) but a record of you being an involved parent will help you get 50/50 custody. Also if your wife is not psychopath even she would understand that its in children best interest.

STAY FIT AND IN DATING SHAPE

Remember marriage is not permanent and can be dissolved at any time. Hitting gym 3x a week(one of weekday 2 on weekends) for 1 hour will not only keep you healthy but keep you in dating shape if worst happen. Instead on focusing on your dating prospects you can focus on building life after divorce and after dust it settled you can move on with best hand. Also don't miss cardio, there is no point of getting a six pack of you get a heartattack in your 30s. Also eating healthy saves money. Bonus if you can cook yourself and for your family.

BE PREPARED FOR DIVORCE AT ANY TIME

Divorce may happen, if you are mentally emotionally, financially, legally prepared at all time, it will make it go somewhat smoother. Also you may want to file for divorce maybe because of abuse or infidelity so it also reduces fear of divorce. In case of DIVORCE an ounce of preparation is worth a TON of cure.

GET A CREDIT CARD

Credit card is one of the worst investment there is except for one factoid, It is dischargable in Bankruptcy. Child Support is NOT. If worst case happens and you loose your job or legs in car accident. Credit Cards can give you a Cushion and probably keep you out of jail. Remember to use credit regularly and pay it off regularly and you wont have anything to worry about(You need disciple and keep track of every purchase, if you let it mount, you are royally screwed). Also if you have to file for bankruptcy it may help you in readjustment of CS.

DO NOT CHEAT

Even in no fault state, you can piss of judge and get bad judgement against you, and appeals are very costly so don't risk it, also many men feel so guilty that they give up everything without a fight due to guilt or shame. Don't put yourself in such a vulnerable position.

GET MALE FRIENDS

Not only they will provide support in case of divorce, they can help with temporary living space, financial support etc. Also they can help you keep your mental health in check(very important for custody battle).

GET A LAWYER

Goes without saying.

IF all above seem very cumbersome to you, then you have the answer DO NOT GET MARRIED. If you find a woman worth marrying(which is saying something) and you have that goal of marriage, if don't prepare for the worst case, you are signing your own death warrant.

If I missed something feel free to add in comment section.

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