Most people do not marry planning to divorce. Ignoring warning flags during courtship can lead to divorce. A divorce attorney analyzed issues that divorcing couples brought to the divorce table. He devised this list of eight questions for people to ask both their beloved and themselves before committing to marriage:

1.    "How do you believe we should spend our money and on what?" If your spending and saving values do not match, think again. Money matters are common in divorce.

2.    "What are your thoughts about starting a family?" Both people need to be on the same page. If one is "undecided," he or she could come to a decision some time down the road that is the exact opposite of what the other desires. Why set yourself up for heartache?

3.    "If I get sick, how will you take care of me?" We do not know when sickness will come. We need to choose mates who are mature enough to remain committed through the bad times. A good indicator of reality is how you treat him and he treats you when one gets the flu.

4.    ""Do you envision us growing old together?" Unless you get a firm "yes," this could be the flashing light that commitment is temporary.

5.    "Do you ever think about your ex?" If yes, next question is, "In what context?" If you or your potential spouse is not over the last relationship, you are not ready to enter a new one.  Hold off the commitment until both of you think of ex rarely and for only a passing moment.

6.    "Has your mate ever told you they scared a former mate in any way?" Positive answers could indicate a lack of readiness. Therapy may be a good option--before commitment.

7.    "Is your mate good at solving problems?" Avoiding real issues is a sign of immaturity and could ultimately lead to divorce. Address it now.

8.    "How does my mate deal with a 'screwup?'" Everybody makes mistakes. Blame or fault finding does not build a person or a relationship. Persistent negative responses to messes are a warning flag.

For the whole story, go to http://dating.personals.yahoo.com/singles/relationships/24234/dating-101-how-to-tell-when-youre-ready-to-commit