Marriage & Wedding Information

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.

johnetteduff@aol.com


MORE RESOURCES:

03/27/2024
10 Wedding Tuxedo Styles from Friar Tux Las Vegas
Mplace EmeraldatQR Spectacularweddings 567

10 Wedding Tuxedo Styles curated by our friends at Friar Tux Las Vegas We often make a big fuss about the Bride and her endless options in fashion but this is a day for a groom to feel special too. Our Friends at Friar tux have incredible options to suit your day (Pun intended.) Lets

The post 10 Wedding Tuxedo Styles from Friar Tux Las Vegas appeared first on Bridal Spectacular.



more info


02/19/2024
Emily and Rob’s Blush and Burgundy wedding in Las Vegas
Emily and Rob walk triumphantly out of their wedding as their guests wave sparklers for their departure as husband and wife.

A Blush and Burgundy Wedding is a romantic choice for an outdoor Las Vegas Wedding Emily and Rob joined their lives with a stunning blush and burgundy wedding ceremony and reception at Emerald at Queensridge in Las Vegas. From the red rose petals down the ceremony path to the opulent indoor reception the details of

The post Emily and Rob’s Blush and Burgundy wedding in Las Vegas appeared first on Bridal Spectacular.



more info


02/15/2024
Black and White Wedding Styled Shoot captured by LuxLife Las Vegas
Black and White Wedding decor. What a space to celebrate your nuptials. A canopy twinkling lights over the dance floor are a perfect space for your first dance surrounded by your family seated at tables with black linens.

Celebrate with a black and white wedding. Trending now! Black has been the IT color this year. From black wedding dresses to Black decor there are so many was to work this color scheme. We love the romantic look that Emerald At Queensridge put together with their vendor partners for this year's photoshoot. These amazing

The post Black and White Wedding Styled Shoot captured by LuxLife Las Vegas appeared first on Bridal Spectacular.



more info


02/14/2024
An Intimate Las Vegas Wedding Filled With Romance
JJ6A7490

Bridal Spectacular shares a intimate Las Vegas wedding captured by Iris Dee Photography. If you're dreaming of a romantic, candle-filled ceremony, adorned in twinkling lights you'll want to take the time to enjoy this special Las Vegas wedding. Iris, a Las Vegas based photographer, beautifully captures Diana and Benjamin's enchanting wedding at The Side Yard

The post An Intimate Las Vegas Wedding Filled With Romance appeared first on Bridal Spectacular.



more info


02/09/2024
Sunset Wedding Color Inspiration at JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort
TaylorJordanSneaks 149

Spectacular Weddings of Las Vegas features a Las Vegas wedding with sunset wedding color inspiration captured by Moxie Studio Photography. Do you want to create a romantic and dreamy atmosphere that will leave your guests in awe? Look no further! Sunset weddings are a timeless theme that never goes out of style.  Here, Taylor and

The post Sunset Wedding Color Inspiration at JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort appeared first on Bridal Spectacular.



more info


02/07/2024
A Sweet and Memorable Las Vegas Chapel Wedding
IMG 0010

Bridal Spectacular Shares A Memorable Las Vegas Chapel Wedding Captured by Iris Dee Photography. Just like Elvis Presley, we can't help falling in love with Charolette and Daniel's wedding at the Little Vegas Chapel. This adorable destination is known for its Elvis-themed weddings, where “The King” sings, dances, and performs the rites. In addition to

The post A Sweet and Memorable Las Vegas Chapel Wedding appeared first on Bridal Spectacular.



more info


02/02/2024
Breathtaking Las Vegas Lakeside Wedding Inspiration
MoxieStudio AdyJackSneaks 107

Bridal Spectacular shares Adyson and Jack's Las Vegas wedding by Moxie Studio Photography. Just imagine, a waterfront wedding surrounded by swaying palm trees and the gorgeous sunset in the background. Well, we are happy to share this beautiful Lake Las Vegas wedding location is right in your own wonderful city of Las Vegas! It all

The post Breathtaking Las Vegas Lakeside Wedding Inspiration appeared first on Bridal Spectacular.



more info


01/30/2024
Stunning bride and bridesmaids grace the new cover of Spectacular Weddings.
Mplace EmeraldatQR Spectacularweddings 481

In a 33 year first a bride and her bridesmaids are together on the cover of Spectacular Weddings of Las Vegas sponsored by Emerald at Queensridge! Congratulations to  M Place Productions for having their photo selected for the latest cover. Image was taken at our annual photoshoot which was sponsored by Emerald at Queensridge this

The post Stunning bride and bridesmaids grace the new cover of Spectacular Weddings. appeared first on Bridal Spectacular.



more info


01/25/2024
Wedding Packing Essentials: What Every Couple Needs
Woman packing suitcase for trip on bed, closeup

Wedding Packing Essentials: What Every Couple Needs In Their Wedding Travel Bag The excitement of an upcoming wedding and adventure-filled honeymoon can make packing feel daunting. Those embarking on destination vows must juggle unique needs, from protecting precious wedding attire to getting travel documents in order. When you've got so much to pack, where do

The post Wedding Packing Essentials: What Every Couple Needs appeared first on Bridal Spectacular.



more info



home | site map | contact us