Examining the Latest Legal Developments and their Impact

Marriage Law

Legal Separation Versus Divorce

Divorce vs SeparationMany people winced when they heard country singer Tammy Wynette’s song about love gone wrong in her hit “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” – they felt her pain when she talked about her impending divorce happening that day and how she wished it would never happen.

Sadly the statistics show that about half the marriages today end in divorce.  Those stats are not only staggering, but sad as well, after a happy marriage, meets a few bumps in the road and the next thing you know there is talk of divorce.  Talking it out between yourselves, or, even with the assistance of an experienced marriage counselor, partners realize that they might be better off to live apart and so talk of dissolution of the marriage begins.

Tips for A Successful Marriage

Tips for A Successful MarriageYou often hear the expression “a marriage made in Heaven”, signifying that two people are so compatible in a harmonious marriage or partnership, that it is as if that union was created in Heaven.

Most people would like to think that their marriage bears this seal of approval, but, the sad truth is that, these days, nearly half of all marriages end in divorce – in fact, you might be surprised to know that in the U.S., someone gets divorced every 10 to 13 seconds.  It seems that divorce is the solution when ideas and hearts no longer mesh – a disagreement or two, and harsh words are exchanged, then usually words perhaps are spoken, that are best left unsaid.  Next thing you know, a couple is not seeking marriage counseling, but one or the other is headed to a divorce attorney.  Often the source of discontent is money.  So, sometimes, having the forethought to have a prenuptial agreement in place to iron out any money issues before the marriage takes place, may be helpful.  But, in some instances, the mere suggestion of getting a “prenup” raises your partner’s hackles.

At one time, people married young, and stayed married for life, or until death robbed the remaining partner of longstanding love and companionship.  It makes your heart feel good to see an elderly couple holding hands and still enjoying one another after so many decades.

The Evolution of Gender Roles in Marriage

Gender Roles in MarriageOnce upon a time, young adults all aspired for the same thing – a good job, find a partner, move to the ‘burbs, start a family, get a dog … live happily ever after.  Young women seldom had a career, opting instead to marry, become a homemaker and stay home with the children.  The term “stay-at-home mom” had not even been coined yet – it was just expected of young women, that she forsake any future plans … she would be there for her husband and kids.

Types of Prenups

Types of Prenups

The wedding plans are in motion and it seems that there are a million details to attend to before the big day.  While you, ever the romantic, are pondering over what color butter cream roses should adorn the wedding cake, your intended tells you he has made an appointment for both of you to see a divorce attorney.  “A divorce attorney?” you ask with a smirk on your face.  “Why would we see a divorce attorney – we’re not even married!”  “To get a prenuptial agreement in place” is the response.  Immediately your eyebrows go up in a quizzical manner and you feel your mouth form a perfect “O” as you feel you might faint dead away.

While this scenario might sound like it straight from out of the afternoon TV. soap operas, it is a scene that happens more and more these days.  In an age, where nearly half of all marriages eventually are dissolved, one can never be too prudent.

What is a Prenup

What is a Prenup?

The mood is just right… a romantic, candlelight dinner for two in an elegant restaurant and when the dessert arrives, there is something much sweeter than the crème brulee, as the gentleman suddenly pulls a velvet box out of his chest pocket and pops the magical question to the woman.  We’ve seen enough romantic movies to know that the question is “will you marry me?”  After the young lady answers in the affirmative, suddenly there are a flurry of decisions to be made and many details to be dealt with before the big event.

But, should one of those details be putting a prenuptial agreement in place before the wedding day?

Nothing puts a kibosh on upcoming nuptials more than talking “prenup”, a word commonly used to describe a prenuptial agreement, or a “contract” that is created between two people before they marry.  This prenuptial agreement may exist between two heterosexual individuals, or, a same-sex couple.

When you read the title of this post:  “What is a Prenup?” you might have scoffed at the topic, thinking prenuptial agreements are just for the rich and famous and not applicable to everyday people.  If a budding romance seems headed to marriage in the near future, you should check out some of the reasons why you might want to consider the practicality of a prenuptial agreement, rather than merely dismissing it as something that is irrelevant to your relationship.