"Death ends a life, not a relationship." This quote, from Mitch Albom was certainly not meant in the context of a divorce, but it does apply, particularly when child support and/or alimony are a component of a divorce settlement or court ordered obligation. To ensure that the financial relationship of paying alimony and/or child support will survive the premature death of the supporting parent or spouse, those payments are often secured with a life insurance policy. This is where matrimonial law and estate planning intersect and require some careful consideration on the part of parents, spouses and lawyers.