Family Law
A frustrating lack of permanence plagues modern relationships. Approximately one of every two marriages ends in divorce and the average length of a marriage before divorce is only five years. Many couples today chose cohabitation over traditional marriage. What happened to the idealized family depicted in Father Knows Best, Leave it To Beaver, The Donna Reed Show and Ozzie and Harriet?
No simple answer exists to this question: our intimate relationships have been affected by the industrialization of society, urbanization, continued changes in the traditional roles of the sexes and greater economic independence for women, a rise in the percentage of the population pursuing a college education, a lessening of social pressure against couples who cohabit, the recognition of legal rights for llegitimate children, a decreasing birth rate, improved birth control methods and a longer life expectancy. All these factors contribute to our alarming divorce rate.
Is it any wonder the state ( literally, the state you live in and as, generically, any form of government) must pass laws that affect our personal relationships as we struggle for answers?
You can take opposing views of the laws in our country. One argument is that they protect society and its members, but the flip side contends they are a means of oppression. The laws that impact our intimate relationships are not necessarily harmful or intrusive in and of themselves. However, forming a relationship without a working knowledge of these laws and without considering all the ramifications can lead to situations where the end result is both.
The state's role in romantic relationships has often been justified by "public policy" interests. The term "public policy," though vague, is used to justify laws or actions that would injure the public welfare or be contrary to public decency, sound policy and good morals.
Understanding the necessity of laws that impact on our personal relationships starts with the recognition that our society is not the first to regulate love and the law. The efforts of governments throughout history to control the couplings of its citizens illustrates why and how our own laws were created and why and how, inevitably, they will adapt as society changes.
The one form of marriage permitted under our laws is the only option for couples who want a legal relationship. Happily, the single status is only a temporary situation for most Americans. Few will stop looking for love, trust, companionship and sexual and emotional fulfillment with another person. However, couples wanting to remarry, parents with ready-made families, couples over 65 looking for companionship without legal complications, all seek answers from the same legal relationship.
Although divorce laws have undergone radical changes in our lifetimes, the marriage laws have remained relatively static. Unfortunately, because couples considering marriage have many different needs, it is not uncommon for the laws that govern marriage to conflict with these needs. Too often, couples learn too late that financial penalties come attached to the marriage license. Marriage may be the only means of forming a legal and financial relationship under the law but, for many, legal marriage simply implies that they must suffer penalties to legalize their relationship.
As traditional marriage has proven less and less capable of living up to its potential in our society, alternatives such as unmarried cohabitation have arisen. The increase in couples who choose to cohabit can be traced to the fact that the marriage laws are not meeting the needs of these citizens in forming their personal relationships. Although there are a variety of reasons why couples choose to "just live together," financial disadvantages are a major factor.
If you are previously married and considering a remarriage, you know that the older bride or groom has different needs than the young couple entering a first marriage. The responsibilities and obligations from prior marriages, particularly when children are involved, cannot be ignored. Men and women over fifty who have minor children fight the same uphill battle as younger couples do in defining and fulfilling their obligations of visitation, custody, support, and inheritance. These problems create stress for the old family, as well as the new, upon remarriage.
Even without children, it is possible that obligations to former spouses can impact a new marriage. Older couples must consider the potential loss of private pensions, alimony, social security benefits or tax advantages because of a remarriage. Also important is the issue of inheritance of assets that may have taken a lifetime to accumulate. Older couples may want to limit their financial obligations to each other in the areas of support, medical costs, insurance, and pension benefits.
If you are a refugee from the marital wars, you learned the hard way about precautions that could have been taken the first time and should be taken the next. The happily married couple doesn't need to learn from experience; they, too, can benefit from the information in this book. If you are one of the lucky couples who has beat the odds and stayed married, we want to show you how to continue to protect and preserve your relationship...and your money. Check out loveandthelaw.com to discover what you need to know about your relationship.
About The Author
Ms. Duff has been featured on Today, Good Morning America, in The Wall Street Journal, Self, New Woman, Smart Money and Modern Maturity and has been a guest on hundreds of radio talk shows.
 Google News Updated : Thu, 28 Aug 2008 06:24:26 GMT Scientists Reprogram Cells, Add to Debate - Washington Post
Washington Post - By Rob Stein Scientists have transformed one type of fully developed adult cell directly into another inside a living animal, a startling advance that could lead to cures for a variety of illnesses and sidestep the political and ethical quagmires ... Researchers Report Advances in Cell Conversion Technique Researchers 'reprogram' pancreas cells in mice Publ.Date : Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:12:57 GMT Knight arrested - Boston Globe
Boston Globe - Rap music mogul Marion "Suge" Knight (inset) was arrested yesterday in Las Vegas on drug and assault charges after he was accused of beating his girlfriend while brandishing a knife, police said. "Suge" Knight charged with assault Suge Knight Busted for Sin City Smackdown Publ.Date : Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:00:23 GMT 'Traitor' Falls Into the Old Trap Of Moral Ambiguity About Terrorism - Washington Post
Washington Post - By Philip Kennicott Once again there are terrorists in our midst, and once again they are Muslims, hiding in sleeper cells, posing as ordinary Americans, waiting to cause mayhem. Don Cheadle Plays Double Agent With Moral Dilemma in `Traitor' Cheadle muses over turning 'Traitor" Publ.Date : Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:19:22 GMT Biden Opens New Phase With Attack on McCain - New York Times
New York Times - By JOHN M. BRODER DENVER - Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware accepted the Democratic vice-presidential nomination on Wednesday night with an ode to his middle-class upbringing and a blistering attack on Senator John McCain. • Sen. Biden Addresses the Democratic National Convention in Denver Biden -- and Kerry and Clinton -- go on the attack Publ.Date : Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:48:43 GMT Obama Wins Nomination; Biden and Bill Clinton Rally Party - New York Times
New York Times - Senator Barack Obama joined Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. on stage on Wednesday. More Photos > By ADAM NAGOURNEY DENVER - Barack Hussein Obama, a freshman senator who defeated the first family of Democratic Party politics with a call for a fundamentally ... Obama wins nomination and Clintons' support Obama officially nominated; Bill Clinton delivers hearty endorsement Publ.Date : Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:22:06 GMT Garza, Pena lead Rays to win vs. Jays - MLB.com
MLB.com - By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays reached a franchise-first 80 wins on Wednesday night courtesy of Matt Garza's right arm and one piece of very timely hitting from Carlos Pena. Garza throws 7 2-3 scoreless innings in Rays' win Further proof Garza is workhorse Publ.Date : Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:51:10 GMT Be safer than NASA and disable Autorun/Autoplay - CNET News
CNET News - NASA has confirmed that a computer on the International Space Station is infected with a virus (see Houston, we have a virus). The malicious software is called W32. Password Stealing Worm Catches NASA Napping Virus Found On Computer In Space Station Publ.Date : Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:45:29 GMT Increased Website Traffic |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... Wedding shower invitations should lay out all of the necessary... Read More Speculation continues about the break-up of Brad Pitt and Jennifer... Read More Planning a wedding should be fun and exciting. However, if... Read More Preparing for a wedding, large or small, is overwhelming! A... Read More I came across an article today: LOVE AND MARRIAGE THE... Read More If you're like most people, you probably entered into marriage... Read More The elegant beauty of a strand of pearls... Read More You've gotten engaged and have set the wedding date and... Read More Prescription for a happy marriage: one cup of tea or... Read More "Extreme age differences between husband and wife may lead to... Read More Do you remember when there were no children in your... Read More Great deals can be found when you know how much... Read More In our hungry-for-anything new pop culture world, celebrities are often... Read More Asian-themed weddings are on the rise, and at first this... Read More AttendantsAttendants, include the best man, Bridesmaid, ushers, and groomsmen. Generally... Read More Celebrate your marriage by planning a Florida honeymoon vacation with... Read More It is wrong if you thought that typical British weddings... Read More For many brides, the wedding ceremony starts long before they... Read More John's cousin, Grace, is getting married in Liverpool, UK and... Read More Thousands of years ago, the Celts, a group of independent... Read More As mens wedding rings become more and more popular mens... Read More Wedding dresses are literally the icing on the cake on... Read More Rose petals will add luxury to a wedding day or... Read More In Las Vegas, once you get your marriage license you... Read More A couple should trust each other in many ways. When... Read More
Adsense
websites
A Wedding Shower Invitation Should Be Attractive And Stylish!
Brad Pitt - Jennifer Aniston Marriage Undermined by Inappropriate Friendship with Angelina Jolie
Basic Tips for Planning a Wedding
You?re Making Your Wedding List and Checking It Twice?What Have You Forgotten?
Which Came First, Love or Marriage?
Marriage Advice: Seven Marriage Myths You Can?t Afford to Ignore
How to Choose a Pearl Necklace for Your Wedding Day
Wedding Dresses - Frequently Asked Questions
Prescription for a Happy Marriage
Extreme Age Differences In Marriage Can Lead To Infidelity
Growing and Connecting with Your Spouse
Planning Your Wedding Reception
Hot Wedding Trend: Platinum Wedding Rings
Spotlight on the Asian-Themed Wedding
The A To Z Guide For Your Wedding Day
Florida Honeymoon Vacations
Wedding Loans in the UK ? Saving Future from the Present Wedding Expenses
Wedding Preparations - Tips To Get You to The Church On Time
Ditching a Wedding
Understanding Celtic Wedding Rings
Mens Moissanite Wedding Rings, or Is Moissanite a Mans Best Friend?
Wedding Dresses - How to Buy Dreamy Wedding Gowns Online
Rose Petals Add The Perfect Touch For A Wedding
Las Vegas Wedding Chapels
Trust in Marriage
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
The Wedding Guests Guide to A Stress Free and Fun Wedding
Most brides become obsessed with throwing the perfect wedding. The... Read More
Ten Beliefs That Can Contribute to an Unhappy Marriage
Have you ever wondered why your marriage isn't happier? If... Read More
How to Enhance and Enrich Your Marriage
Any marriage counselor will tell you that one of the... Read More
The Right Age To Marry!
An ideal combination. A good career, a great husband and... Read More
How to Nurture Intimacy When Youre in a Long-Distance Marriage
The biggest problem long-distance spouses often face is how to... Read More
Finding the Perfect Bridesmaid Gift
The bridesmaid gift is essential to the planning of a... Read More
Man Made Diamonds, The Affordable Alternative
Diamonds may be a woman's best friend, but modern man... Read More
The Maid of Honor ? Remember, It?s All About the Bride!
The term and role "Maid of Honor" is sometimes confusing,... Read More
Are American Women Driving Their Men Away?
Recently, I stumbled across something on the internet. A particular... Read More
Conquer the Five Most Common Fears About Your Wedding Ceremony
It's safe to say that of all the important events... Read More
How to Have a Sizzler of a Honeymoon! Article No. 4
When Maria Callas first appeared on the international scene, she... Read More
Planning Weddings on a Budget
Planning as early as possible for your wedding is the... Read More
Mens Moissanite Wedding Rings, or Is Moissanite a Mans Best Friend?
As mens wedding rings become more and more popular mens... Read More
Bridal Shower Themes
It is the maid of honor's duty to organize the... Read More
Requesting the Presence of Your Presents
For better or worse, in people's minds weddings and wedding... Read More
Honeymoon Registries: A Guide to Asking for Your Honeymoon as a Wedding Gift
Is the cost of your wedding putting the honeymoon of... Read More
Ten Ways to Have an Irish Wedding
Honor your Emerald Isle heritage with traditions that are romantic,... Read More
Six Ways to Decorate Your Wedding Arch
Sometimes a wedding arch is a no-brainer way to spruce... Read More
Mens Diamond Rings ? The Ultimate Wedding Ring For The Modern Man
Mens diamond rings are becoming more and more popular with... Read More
Wedding Speeches Made Easy: Wedding Speech or Best Mans Speech Tips
Have you ever had to give a wedding speech? As... Read More
Expressions of Devotion: Buying Engagement Rings, Wedding Rings, and Wedding Bands Online
Ritual symbolism abounds in everything we do; this is particularly... Read More
10 Ideas for Perfect Wedding Gifts
Wedding ceremonies are the stuff fairy tales are made of.... Read More
How to Keep Hope Alive During a Marriage Crisis
During a marriage crisis, you can feel like your whole... Read More
Anniversary Gifts and Perfumes
How many times has your anniversary come around and you... Read More
Renewing Your Marriage Vows - On the Right Side of the Law
Movies, sitcoms and soapies made in the United States could... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |