eased instates that have reformed their laws, there appears to be no basis forbelieving either that some segments of the population have been treated in adiscriminatory manner or that the laws themselves have been responsible forincreasing divorce. In the mid-1980s, approximately one in three marriagesended in divorce. A growing number of expert observers conclude that thishigh divorce rate is due to a number of social changes that are the causerather than the consequence of divorce-law reform. Among these changes aregreater societal acceptance of divorce; greater financial and emotionalindependence of women; and, paradoxically, a greater belief in the emotionalvalue of marriage, which more readily disposes disappointed spouses todivorce so as to seek a happier subsequent marriage. In a divorce action, onespouse, usually the wife, may be granted alimony or maintenance paymentsgenerally for a limited period of time. The custody of any children may beawarded to either spouse, with equitable regulations made for visiting rightsand support of the children. At present, joint-custody arrangements are beingworked out more and more frequently by divorcing parents. I have just told you about divorce history, divorce in the U.S., anddivorce reform. It is very hard for kids to go through divorce. I know I havebeen there. So, when you think about getting married make sure it is the loveof your life so you dont have to go through something terrible like divorce....
