So, you've fallen for the man or woman of your dreams only to discover that his or her bank account is sitting on empty? Or that they are more familiar with the terms default, collections and garnishment than IRA, money market and college fund? That probably means that a conversation about where each of your financial priorities are is long overdue.

Conversations about finance in a relationship can be stressful. Why's she all up in my pocket, we ask? But, with financial disputes being one of the leading reasons that relationships end, it is important that couples have candid conversations about each other's financial history. Too often, people get caught up in the good vibes that being in love can give off and avoid delving into their partner's financial history.

As a senior financial adviser at Met Life, Dwight Raiford states, "When both parties decide this is a serious relationship, it is important to discuss money. People will tell you their entire sexual history before they will tell you their credit score."

Raiford is absolutely correct. You may not want to hear that your partner has defaulted on his or her student loans, filed for bankruptcy, or has a credit score below 600, but not discussing this may actually come back to bite you in the you know what in the long run. It might even take a bite out of your bank account.

Here are some major factors related to finance to consider in a relationship:

Prenuptial Agreements

Does asking for a prenup prior to marriage mean that one partner expects the marriage to fail? Raiford doesn't think so. "There are situations when it is beneficial. Prenups can make sense when there are previous marriages with children involved. Do you really want the first wife to get access to the second wife's assets when the husband dies or a divorce occurs?" A prenuptial agreement is a marriage contract signed prior to marriage or a civil union. The purpose of this contract is to handle financial matters that might arise in divorce or death of one's spouse. Prenups are often thought of as applicable only to the rich and famous. But when partners are bringing assets (and liabilities) into the marriage, a prenup can clearly outline who gets what should the marriage end. Charles B. Law, a lawyer with the firm Cozen O'Connor whose focus is matrimonial and family law, encourages couples thinking of getting a prenup to "Discuss what you want and the reasons for obtaining one" with a lawyer.

Joint Vs. Separate Accounts

Many couples clash heads over this topic. Here are some things to consider when deciding which account is right for you and your relationship.

Joint accounts are accounts that are owned and operated by both parties. Each person usually can write checks and do other financial transactions. These accounts are in one person's name. If one partner passes away, through "rights to survivorship," the surviving partner gains control of the account. As Raiford notes, this type of account is usually used for "transacting the business of the marriage;" basically joint matters (i.e., mortgage). In relationships, one partner is usually able to handle money better than the other. Having a joint account can allow the partner who is better with money to make sure bills get paid and that the lights stay on.

Separate accounts give couples the flexibility to manage their finances individually. Raiford channels the famous Billie Holiday song in saying, "God bless the child that has its own. There is something empowering about having your own."

One-Two accounts are one joint account and two separate accounts. For couples not completely sold on having just a joint account or solely separate accounts, this may be the best option. This way, transactions related to the business of the marriage can be handled using the joint account, and each partner still has his or her own account. "From a psychological point of view, I encourage clients to have a separate account also [in addition to a joint account]," states Raiford.

Alimony

Also known as spousal maintenance, alimony (which is separate from child support) deals with a determined amount of money considered sufficient to support the lower-earning spouse in a relationship until he or she can get back into the workforce. "If both parties are self-supporting then no one is entitled to alimony," says Law.

I'm sure most of us have heard about the nasty divorce proceedings taking place between R&B singer Kelis and her husband, rapper Nas. While Nas has been pretty mum, Kelis is saying a whole lot, including petitioning the courts for Nas to pay her upwards of 80,000 per month in support. According to Kelis, the 20,000 monthly income she brings in independently is not enough. I asked Law whether Kelis is entitled to such an exorbitant amount of money, and here's what he had to say. "If she can show that he [Nas] provided this 80K a month lifestyle that he supported while they were married, she very well may be entitled to the money." This is because lifestyle, in addition to resources, factors into alimony cases.

"Marriage purely for love is a relatively recent phenomenon. For centuries, marriages were business transactions," states Raiford. While we may not want to look at relationships, and ultimately marriages, as a system of withdrawals and deposits, Raiford makes an excellent point. While love is the glue that can keep relationships intact and allow couples to weather obstacles, finances are also important. Although marriages solidify two people as one, it is always wise for each partner to consider his or her financial future should the relationship end.