Business Week reports on a study published in the December issue of the Journal of Family Psychology, linking early premarital sex with “more brittle marriages.” Ellin Holohan writes (excerpt): Why would rushing into intimacy impede marital happiness? According to study…
Separating parenting and paying: In re Beck
The Michigan Supreme Court released its decision in Department of Human Servs v Beck (In re Beck), Case No 140842 (12/20/10). The Court determined that a parent whose rights were terminated continues to have a child support until a court…
The perfect gift for our children
Love and Logic News challenges us with measuring the energy we exert in trying to find the perfect gift for our children compared to the energy we exert showing our children what a gift they are to us. Dr. Charles…
Eva Longoria, Tony Parker and the difference between emotional and physical cheating
Latina.com gives us Damarys Ocana’s interview of Donna Estes Antebi, author of The Real Secrets Women Only Whisper, and some insight into the emotional affair (excerpt): Physical cheating is unquestionably a bigger deal, but the other is a big deal,…
Collaborating your way through perceptions
Grand Rapids Collaborative Divorce shows us how the collaborative divorce process can move through perceptions by promoting fairness in ways the court system simply cannot (excerpt): In a collaborative divorce, you are accorded dignity and respect. The commitment from the…
Women versus Men: I’m sorry I was wrong about being bad
USA Todayshows us that women apologize more than men (and want more apologies from men) because they have a different standard for offensive behavior. Sharon Jayson writes (excerpt): New research on apologies from Canadian psychologists finds that men have a…
The social network enters the courtroom
Findlaw explains how your social networking postings may become subject to discovery in litigation. Eric Sinrod writes (excerpt): In the case of Romano v. Steelcase, a New York judge ruled that defendant Steelcase was entitled in discovery to access the…
Wabi Sabi the people in your life: celebrating imperfection
USA Today reminds us that imperfections can “bring life together perfectly.” Craig Wilson writes (excerpt): But what I was most pleased to learn is that wabi sabi pertains to people, too — that you accept each other, even when they…
Old school: One child, two parents
The Associated Press reported on Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg speech at a Colorado judicial conference. She commented on parenting a spirited child. Kristen Wyatt writes (excerpt): Ginsburg told a humorous story about having a young son while teaching…
“Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.” (Mark Twain): How not to bug the judge
The ABA Journal reports on dress codes for courtrooms and bans on: pajamas, saggy pants, exposed undergarments, bare feet, curlers, gang clothes, muscle shirts, tank tops, halters, bare midriffs, miniskirts (hemlines more than 4 inches above the knee), excessive, uncovered…
The high cost of COBRA coverage: For most, no end in sight
USA Today highlights the problems displaced workers are encountering when their COBRA subsidy ends or they do not qualify. Note: At the time of a divorce, an employee’s former spouse is eligible for COBRA coverage for 36 months, but someone…
Just say no?: Separation without divorce
The New York Times highlights the “Un-Divorced” who choose to stay separated. Pamela Paul writes (excerpt): “Many people I’ve worked with over time enjoy the benefits of being married: the financial perks, the tax breaks, the health care coverage,” said…
A heart for giving: Robert J. Dugan
The Grand Rapids Press notes the passing of attorney Bob Dugan. Heidi Fenton writes (excerpt): Robert Dugan loved being involved with his community, a trait he built on for decades since signing onto the downtown law firm Rhoades McKee in…
Sexting your life away: viral epidemic?
USA Today highlights the rise in people–especially teens but also adults–who send text messages with sexual content or nude pictures of themselves. Stephanie Steinberg writes (excerpt): To combat the problem, Sophy says, schools should incorporate lessons about appropriate texting in…
Putting a tracking device on a car: Beware
Any surveillance issue requires special caution and consideration before action is taken. There are a variety of federal and state laws that may be implicated by wiretapping, eavesdropping, and electronic monitoring, and each law has its own set of remedies,…
The more depressed/anxious, the less likely to seek marriage counseling
The New York Times show how most couples need relationship counseling but are in denial. Tara Parker-Pope writes (excerpt): “You don’t wait to see the dentist until something hurts — you go for checkups on a regular basis,” said James…
“Being there is 80 percent of the job”–Chris Rock on Fathers
USA Today shows how “non-resident” dads who don’t live with their children are staying involved with them. Half of all children will spend part of their lives living apart from their fathers. Sharon Jayson writes (excerpt): “The point isn’t what…
Discipline for stepparents
The Love and Logic Institute issued its weekly email newsletter with help for stepparents feeling the need to discipline stepchildren. The four tips flow from the Love and Logic consultant style of parenting (fully documented in the many resources available…
Happy Marriage: Got to admit it’s getting better
CNNasked if your marriage was making you sick and then provided tips for getting better. Elizabeth Cohen writes (excerpt): 1. Argue well [“What really matters is the quality of your arguments.”] 2. Your spouse is annoying — accept it! [“[W]hen…
The mediation solution for divorcing couples
YS Mediationhighlights the benefits of divorce mediation (excerpt): Couples have the opportunity to let go of the old way of handling marital separation and divorce by embracing mediation, which is a simple and cost effective way to handle the division…