April 2025 Global Roundup

Recent family related news included a look at all kinds of divorce: no-fault; gray; and sleep. Also highlighted in the local news was a look at: the birth of a dad’s strolling group in Brooklyn; an increase in the number of child-care centers in NYC residential buildings; and the pros and cons of “bird nesting.”

Here’s Why More Americans Are Opting For A ‘Sleep Divorce’

Beth Greenfield, Fortune, March 21, 2025

The phrase refers to a couple’s decision to sleep in separate rooms, typically to prioritize a good night’s rest by getting some space from a partner who snores, has sleep apnea or has some other disruptive nighttime habit. Sleep researcher Wendy Troxel believes the practice should be rebranded with a new name, like “sleep alliance”—because “sleep divorce” is a term that “carries negative connotations” about what could be “a highly beneficial arrangement.”

Gray Divorce: 10 Financial And Tax Issues You Must Know After 50 US

Sheryl Rowling, AP News, April 8, 2025

Beyond the emotional strain of a “gray divorce,” managing your finances is critical. Understanding the key financial and tax issues that come with gray divorce is essential. This article provides tips on budgeting after a later in life divorce.

Does No Fault Divorce Help Or Harm Women?

Patricia Fersch, Forbes, April 9, 2025

As of today, all fifty states adopted a cause of action in divorce based upon no fault; New York was last to do so in 2010. Following the passage of no fault divorce, millions of people were able to file for divorce based on irreconcilable differences. Economists Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers of the University of Pennsylvania report that states that enacted no fault divorce laws experienced an 8%-16% decrease in suicide rates for wives and a 30% decline in domestic violence.

What Is Birdnesting? This Divorced Couple’s Custody Arrangement Is Being Called ‘Genius’

Rachel Paula Abrahamson, Today, April 9, 2025

In the wild, certain birds keep a single nest where the chicks stay, and the parents take turns coming back to look after and protect them. In the case of separated families, the children remain in the family home while the parents take turns living there.There are certainly benefits to this arrangement as children do not have to constantly uproot themselves, but there are drawbacks too. “When we nest, kids can start to feel like they’re in charge of the home and take on an ownership role they’re not ready for,” Dr. Deborah Gilboa says.

A New Luxury-Building Amenity The Whole Neighborhood Can Use: Child Care

Eliza Shapiro, The New York Times, April 11, 2025

New York City is facing a shortage of preschool programs and real estate developers have discovered that providing day care in their buildings can be good for business. The preschool is part of an emerging alliance between real estate, one of New York City’s most powerful industries, and child care, one of its most beleaguered. David and Goliath being on the same team confers mutual benefits. 

Rolling With Their Babies

Alexis Benveniste, Photographs and Video by Tony Cenicola, The New York Times, April 12, 2025

For fathers in search of friendship, a growing group has emerged: the Brooklyn Stroll Club. The group was started in October by Joe Gonzalez, a first-time father to a 10-month-old son. “Moms have been holding it down for so long and are so great at building community,” Mr. Gonzales said. “I didn’t have a lot of dad friends in New York, and I really wanted to connect with people who were going through a similar experience.”