Boston Family Law Blog

Divorcing when you have a business requires equal parts finesse and diplomacy. Some couples choose to continue to run the business as a team even after the divorce. If this is what you are planning on doing, make sure that you are well prepared for what is to come.

There are three main priorities that you have to consider in these cases.

• Who will handle which business components? You and your ex each need to have clear roles for running the business. Deciding this now can reduce the likelihood of problems in the future.
• How will both people be paid? Decide how profits will be split, as well as which expenses each party is responsible for.
• What happens when conflicts arise? There are bound to be disagreements when you and your ex work together. Setting up the terms for conflict resolution from the start of the agreement gives you a blueprint for resolution.

Divorce proceedings are often emotional affairs. After all, you must eventually walk away from the person you pledged to love forever. While getting through a divorce can be challenging for anyone, mediation may help you avoid much of the animosity that comes with dissolving a marriage. 

In recent years, the Massachusetts divorce rate has fluctuated between 35 and 50 percent. As such, while you may feel alone, your neighbors may be going through the same emotions you are. There is a good chance someone you know has chosen mediation to dissolve a marriage. While mediation is often effective, it does not work in every situation. Here are three signs you may need to rethink your mediation. 

Family-owned businesses can often suffer when the couple running them has to go through a divorce. While it isn't very common, it is sometimes possible for the exes to continue to work together to run the business. This can be a challenge, but it can also be very rewarding.

If you are going to try to continue to oversee the business together, you will have to ensure that you are taking steps to protect the business and keep things in order. Here are some tips you might find helpful:

• Mutual trust and respect are imperative. You have to know that your ex is going to always do what is best for the business. Employees and customers shouldn't have to deal with you and your ex demeaning each other.
• Realize that you need your ex's skills. Chances are that you have each carved out an area of the business that is your own. You and your ex probably have unique skillsets. Continuing to run the business together allows the company to benefit from this.
• Set boundaries for interactions. This must include what will happen if you or your ex has a new significant other. It can also include boundaries about who will be responsible for specific aspects of the business, as well as what decisions must be made together.
• Plan for disputes. You might need to have a neutral third party on standby to help resolve conflicts when they arise. This person should know your company and be familiar with the ins and outs of it, so they can help you make decisions in the best interests of the company.

Child custody can be a challenge during the school holidays. You have to figure out when you are going to have the children so you know when you'll need to plan for child care. While many people automatically think of the long breaks, such as summer and winter holiday breaks, the short ones and even half days are just as challenging. We know that you might not feel prepared, but it is an important consideration, especially if your children are younger.

The parenting plan schedule you have is your first stop when you are trying to make these plans. If you and your ex live close to each other, you need to decide whether you are going to use the same child care provider. While using the same provider is easier on the child since they don't have to adjust to new people or places, it can be a challenge for you and your ex.