Protecting Individuals, Families And Children Every Step Of The Way

For More Than 20 Years
Photo of Lisa A. Ruggieri P.C.
  1. Home
  2.  » 
  3. Property Division
  4.  » Postnuptial agreements can make strong sense for some couples

Postnuptial agreements can make strong sense for some couples

We pose the following hypothetical — which is certainly mirrored by reality in many Massachusetts marriages — in an article on our family law website at the Law Offices of Lisa A. Ruggieri, P.C.

To wit: One half of a married partnership — let’s say the wife, which is more commonly the case, although not exclusively so — decides to forgo a lucrative career to stay at home and raise a growing family.

Unfortunately, the marriage ends in divorce years ago, with the wife having forfeited any chance to reenter the job market in a position even remotely similar in stature or pay to the one she surrendered when she left the workforce.

We duly note on our site that the future economic consequences of her altruistic decision “could be enormous.”

In fact, and in the event that a truly equitable divorce outcome is not achieved, they could be personally disastrous.

A smartly negotiated and well-drafted postnuptial agreement could have altered the bottom line in that hypothetical and, in fact, does help reap far more positive results in many real divorce outcomes in Massachusetts and nationally.

We note a fundamental strength inherent in postnuptial agreements for couples who opt to execute them, namely, their ability “to bring certainty” to a future financial situation.

Although postnuptial contracts have been legally enforceable in Massachusetts for a number of years now, the state’s highest court has stated that close judicial scrutiny will attach to questions surrounding their validity and specifics.

And the court further noted in a seminal case discussing postnups that reliance on a proven attorney’s work product in negotiating and executing such an agreement “will go a long way toward ensuring [its] enforceability.”

Questions or issues regarding marital contracts (both postnuptial and prenuptial agreements) can be addressed to a seasoned Massachusetts family law attorney.

5 Star Reviews

A Superb Lawyer!

Lisa guided me through the divorce process and helped me obtain my desired outcome. Throughout the entire process, she helped make the process as painless as possible. Lisa is truly a super lawyer who will be an asset to anyone that utilizes her knowledge, experience, dedication and abilities!

– Eric E.

Successfully Settled My Case With Just One Court Appearance

My ex husband is an attorney and I knew I needed a top notch attorney on my side in order to secure a favorable outcome. In less than a month, from start to finish, Attorney Ruggieri successfully settled my case with just one court appearance.

– Carol K.

All Of The Online Reviews Of Attorney Lisa Ruggieri Are True!

All of the online reviews of Attorney Lisa Ruggieri are true! If you need top-notch legal advice to land you on your feet post-divorce, I would highly recommend the Law Offices of Lisa Ruggieri. Lisa is very knowledgeable and draws a strong line around defending and protecting her clients.

– Eugenia Z.

She Was Aggressive And Never Backed Down

I found Lisa through reviews and was not disappointed. Lisa and her staff were great! They were very supportive and explained everything. She was aggressive and never backed down, even when I wanted to settle. She always looked out for my best interest, even when I didn’t want to. I can’t recall a single debate she lost during the entire case. If I were ever in a similar situation again (which will not be anytime in the foreseeable future!), I would call Lisa.

– Erik T.