When a couple marries one of the big decisions made initially will be…. what last name the female spouse will use. There may be a difference of opinion that will need to be ironed out. Will she keep her maiden name, will she take her new husband’s name or will the name be hyphenated? Many women see this change as an exciting rite of passage. What impact will this name have on the children they hope to have. This decision has a far- reaching impact that is often not considered at the time when the relationship is happy and the marriage is intended to last forever.

There are many existing divorce agreements that have orders of spousal support or alimony. Recently, many states, including Massachusetts, have instituted new guidelines to determine who will receive alimony and for how long. The alimony that was set in an agreement or judgment years ago may no longer make financial sense. There may be specific reasons why you may need to modify the results.

Our children are an integral part of our lives and keeping them safe and feeling secure is what parenting is all about. Parenting together after divorce presents new challenges to an already difficult process, but navigating painful emotions to maintain a united front is an essential part of the job. The bottom line is, kids feel healthiest when their parents get along.

The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts found that post-nuptial agreements entered into under specific conditions would be enforceable. Post-nuptial agreements are made by couples contemplating divorce but still trying to work on their marriage and not yet ready to commit to divorce. They are able, through this type of agreement, to decide how their assets will be divided, make financial arrangements for support, and how their children will be cared for in the event of a divorce in the future. This agreement would then allow couples to feel secure in whatever the outcome of a divorce would be and allowing the couple the opportunity to put their emotional efforts into strengthening their marriage.

Post-nuptial agreements have been fairly uncommon in Massachusetts because the law has been unsettled as to whether or not the agreement would be enforceable at the time of divorce. Now that the Supreme Judicial Court has found that post-nuptial agreements are enforceable, mediation becomes an appropriate and effective process for couples to work out the terms of their post-nuptial agreement.

Amid the spread of COVID-19, we are all facing unprecedented times. As this pandemic continues, regulations regarding safe practices change daily. One thing on the mind of separated and divorced parents is how they can continue their usual parenting plan in the midst of this very contagious virus.

As the CDC guidelines and state mandates change from day to day, it is so important to communicate with your co-parent. Try to come to an agreement as to the safe practices that you will each maintain in your homes for the safety of your children, yourselves and other family members living in each home.