Julie, 47, and Hillary, 48, had been committed partners for several years when, in anticipation of the birth of their daughter, they chose 'Goodridge' as their family name. The name was Hillary's grandmother's maiden name, which they took to recognize their growing family and responsibilities.
Today, Annie is nine-years-old, "completely adorable," as her moms readily proclaim, with lots of friends at school and in their neighborhood. Annie no longer takes ballet, but still loves to dance, and plays soccer. She relishes the attention of her grandparents and uncle from Hillary's side of the Goodridge clan. Holidays, birthdays and other special events often bring them together.
Hillary and Julie, while sharing a home and all the financial responsibilities of raising a daughter, still cannot completely protect themselves and Annie. "We've done all the legal work we can to protect our rights and the rights of our daughter," says Julie, "but we still can't transfer assets to our spouse, benefit from each other's social security should one of us die, and we worry about emergencies when we travel, even with all the proper documentation. We have a beautiful child, a nice home and we volunteer at school, but we're still left out. It just doesn't make any sense to us."
Julie is the president and founder of NorthStar Asset Management, Inc., an investment advisory firm specializing in socially responsible investing. Founded in 1990, the firm has $50 million under management. Hillary has had her share of 'firsts' -- a member of the first class of girls at the St. Paul's School in Concord, N.H., as well as the third class of women at Dartmouth College. She is currently the Program Director of the Unitarian Universalist Funding Program which gives away just under $1 million each year to denominational and social service and justice programs across the country.
The Goodridges have long been active in a variety of community activities and non-profit organizations.
Julie, 47, and Hillary, 48, had been committed partners for several years when, in anticipation of the birth of their daughter, they chose 'Goodridge' as their family name. The name was Hillary's grandmother's maiden name, which they took to recognize their growing family and responsibilities.