Recent family related news included a focus on how working together as a team before, and during a marriage, makes for a more harmonious union…and divorce. In addition, the US Senate made a strong move towards repealing the “Defense of Marriage Act”; and economists weighed in about how rising inflation might impact the divorce rate. Additionally, a PBS series, centered on the challenges people face post incarceration, has highlighted the great danger of losing parental rights.
Brady and Bundchen Say their Divorce is Already ‘Finalized.’ Legal Experts say a Solid Prenuptial Agreement Could be Why.
Travis Andersen, Boston Globe, Updated October 28, 2022
“The fact that Tom and Gisele have let it be known that they have already reached an agreement on all issues and will be filing for divorce is the perfect example of how straightforward a divorce can be when you have a well negotiated and well-drafted prenup,” Andrea Vacca, owner of Vacca Family Law Group in Manhattan, said via email.
Rising Inflation Impacts Annual Divorce Filings
Lennox Kalifungwa and Christos Makridis, Forbes, November 6, 2022
With the highest inflation rates in 40 years, economists are debating whether divorce rates will soon hit historic highs or plunge to new lows. “Financial distress has an ambiguous effect on families. For families facing a lot of personal financial stress, it can fuel marital conflict and instability. But, surprisingly, in the population at large it makes people more appreciative of their family bonds, including their marriages.” said W. Bradford Wilcox, Director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia.
Marriage Is a Team Sport
Arthur C. Brooks, The Atlantic, November 10, 2022
The author, a social scientist, believes that the most harmonious couples are the ones who learn to play on the same team with their predominant mode of interaction being collaborative, not competitive. All couples have disagreements, but the happier ones frame them as shared problems to manage jointly.
Same-Sex Marriage Rights Bill Clears a Crucial Senate Hurdle
Annie Karni, The New York Times, November 16, 2022
The Senate on Wednesday took a crucial step toward passing landmark legislation to provide federal protections for same-sex marriages, as 12 Republicans joined Democrats to advance the Respect for Marriage Act, putting it on track to become law in the twilight of the Democratic-held Congress.The bill would not require any state to allow same-sex couples to marry. But it would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which denied federal benefits to same-sex couples.
Parents with Criminal Histories Struggle to Regain Custody of Children
Geoff Bennett, PBS, November 18, 2022
In the ongoing series Searching for Justice, PBS has documented the challenges many face after incarceration, things like getting an I.D., housing and a job. But many formerly incarcerated people also lose their rights as parents. And some argue that situation was made worse by a law called the Adoption and Safe Families Act that was signed into law 25 years ago tomorrow.