USA Today examines “extended adolescence,” the risks being taken by 20-somethings, and the growing up that comes with careers and marriage. Sharon Jayson writes (excerpt): Recent statistics back this up: 56% of births among women ages 20-24 were to unwed…
Couples therapy, intimacy & croutons
The New York Times looks deeply into couples therapy and the road to saving a marriage. Laurie Abraham writes (excerpt): . . . But what I discovered sitting in on this couples group for a year is that every family…
Understanding and respecting your fiancee’s choices
CNN/Oprah raises the matters that come after “Will you marry me?” and “Yes.” Susan Piver poses questions about: income and spending house and yard care, cleanliness and organization financial goals work hours ambitions sexuality and desires meals, shopping, cooking, cleaning…
Lord of a Ring
The New York Times includes memories of lost rings, now and then. Erwin R. Tiongson writes (excerpt): I have worn my wedding ring every single day since my wedding more than seven years ago. I had never misplaced it before.…
“HELP, I Need Someone…”, the new chorus line for men in the new millenium
In July 2007, the Grand Rapids, Michigan community was witness to four lives lost due to domestic violence. Three murders and one suicide asked families, schools, churches, neighborhoods, and the community at large to make sense of the violence around…
Failing to make things better
In two recent decisions by the Michigan Court of Appeals, the trial court’s findings of continued troublemaking by one parent led to changes and restrictions on that parent’s custodial and parenting rights. Roodvoets v. Royce: The trial court changed custody…
Déjà “I do”
USA Today explains the challenge facing second-time-around couples. Olivia Barker writes (excerpt): The quandary couples face is “how to balance telling people, ‘Oh, please come again, please come to our wedding,’ with, ‘We know you just came to one, but…
As couple, whole
The New York Times distinguishes between being compatible and being complementary. Amy Sohn wties (excerpt): At the time I was seeing a 92-year-old Austrian psychoanalyst, and whenever I expressed concern about the financial inequity of my relationship, he would shake…
$184 million for you, $184 million for me
AP and CNNnotes the Chicago judgment awarding one of the biggest divorce verdicts in U.S. history. Maya Polsky was awarded $184 million in her divorce from Michael Polsky. The AP writes (excerpt): “They would walk together after dinners, and Michael…
Choosing classy over amateurish
The New York Times reminds us of our ability to conduct classy cross examinations and of the value flowing from preparation. The article highlights the “outmoded, amateurish and unreliable” interrogation techniques used by the Bush administration’s intelligence agencies. Scott Shane…
Responding to stress
USA Today reveals how to reduce the harmful effects of worrying, including: Writing out your feelings about stressful experiences. Spending time with friends who prefer problem solving over hand-wringing. Meditating or praying. Working on forgiveness. Lowering unrealistic expectations.
Learning from the contentious divorce of former Governor James E. McGreevey
The AP/New York Times peeks into the divorce proceedings involving the former Governor of New Jersey. The short piece illustrates common themes, including: –judges want parents to use “common sense” –judges want parents to facilitate age-appropriate activities –judges want parents…
The Day the Powerlessness of Cho Died
This was a young man drowning in lonliness, despair, and powerlessness. He didn’t want to face another day of this misery, so he escaped in a morbid and violent hyper-masculine fantasy. This fantasy came to fruition on a dreadful day…
A life of honor
The Grand Rapids Pressnotes the passing of former State Bar president, gentleman-litigator and family man Stephen Bransdorfer, at age 77 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Barton Deiters writes (excerpt): His skill and willingness to serve was recognized by governors,…
Helping: It takes Guts and Grace
It was a warm, sunny evening. I felt safely enveloped by the cozy surroundings of Empire along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Escaping to the Leelanau Peninsula; a pilgrimage my wife Stephanie and I take often, since honeymooning there some 19…
Be happy, connect to something bigger
CNN/Parenting.com highlight 8 ways to focus on the positive and become a happier mom. Robert Barnett writes (excerpt): “Happiness is more than just that smiley feeling,” says Karen Reivich, Ph.D., a research associate in the Positive Psychology Center at the…
From state identification card to expunging records
Michigan Reentry Law Wiki was launched to help transition people from prison to the community. The website is supported by Legal Aid of Western Michigan and the Michigan Poverty Law Project.
A True Professional
The Grand Rapids Press notes the passing of retired U.S. District Judge Douglas Hillman, a favorite among attorneys practicing in federal court: Judge Hillman, 84, who had a passion for training young lawyers, suffered a stroke in 2000 that slowed…
Bloodline? Or experiencing the joys of being a father?
CNN and AP reveal what may be a new frontier for grandparent rights. After a four-year battle, an Israeli court in Tel Aviv has granted the wish of the family of a dead soldier. They had a hospital take and…
Document preparation services: buyer beware
The State Bar of Michigan obtained a permanent injunction in Grand Rapids (Kent County) against the “We the People USA, Inc.,” and its franchises in the state from engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. Apparently, “We the People of…