Attorney O's Midnight Musings: Connecticut Law » Marriage

Renewable Marriage Contracts?

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 23:59:47 +0000

Divorce rates are high. It seems that the number of couples seeking divorce continues to rise. It’s a combination of factors, I’m sure, but the bad economy likely plays a part.

In an effort to decrease its divorce rate, Mexico City is proposing a renewable marriage contract that would give couples a 2-year trial run after which they can either renew the marriage or seek divorce. Hmm. There’a a novel idea for you. (Or maybe it’s just the making of a good novel??)

Here’s a link to a post about renewable marriage on the Huffington Post:

Are Renewable Marriage Contracts The Wave Of The Future?

So, what do you think about the idea?

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Valentine’s Day Tips for a Happy Marriage

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:24:13 +0000

I’m a divorce lawyer so I don’t often write about warm fuzzy love stuff in this space. Today is St. Valentine’s Day, however, so I’ll depart from the norm and wish everyone lots of love and joy.

Marriage can be a wonderful and satisfying experience but it does take some work to make a good marriage a strong one. It’s important to remember that in order to make a marriage work, both partners have to bend a little, give a little, and generally pay attention to what is going on. It sounds simple but often, it’s those simple things that we all forget.

To help everyone remember what’s important, I’ll turn to the marriage experts.

“You don’t have to like every quality your partner has. You do have to decide whether you can live with those qualities”, says Loren Gelberg-Goff, a longtime marriage and couples counselor. “You won’t be able to change them.”

Read the article: 25 Ways to a Happy Marriage [New York Post]

We’ve all been taught that there are certain marriage rules we have to follow: never go to bed angry, always be 100% honest … stuff like that. Women’s Day debunks those myths and offers up 10 rules you can break with confidence. Here’s a sample:

Never go to bed angry.
Where did this one come from? Turns out, it may go as far back as the Bible, which advises not letting the sun go down on your anger. But trying to work through a problem when you’re tired and stressed won’t get you anywhere, says Elizabeth Lombardo, PhD, psychologist and author of A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness. “Agree to disagree for now, and to revisit the issue when you’re rested.”

Read the article: 10 Marriage Rules You Should Break

I’ll close with a word of advice from a divorce lawyer: If you’re seeking wedded bliss, don’t forget that Valentine’s Day card tonight!

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Prenuptial and PostNuptial Agreements

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:41:17 +0000

I receive calls all the time from people who are about to be married — or who have already tied the knot — wanting to know whether or not they should prepare a prenuptial (or postnuptial) agreement and what the process entails.

I came upon the following post on the topic that is well-written and informative:

Why You May Need a Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement

There are many reasons that a person may want to execute a prenuptial (or postnuptial) agreement. If you have the slightest doubt as to whether or not such an agreement should be part of your marital planning, you should consult a licensed attorney.

Discuss Financial Issues Before You Get Married

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:58:55 +0000

As a Connecticut lawyer, I often represent people who are seeking divorce. One of the most common reasons they site for the breakdown of the marriage is money. Rather, differences in opinion over financial issues and strategies.

An article published in the New York Times suggests that couples talk about four main points before walking down the aisle: financial ancestry (history), credit (history and habits), control (who will pay bills, etc.) and affluence (individual goals for wealth).

Read the article: Money Talks to Have Before Marriage.

[Source: Alabama Divorce & Family Law Attorney Blog]

Louisiana Justice of the Peace Refuses to Issue Marriage License to Interracial Couple: Loving v. Virginia Revisited?

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:21:56 +0000

In the 1967 U.S. Supreme Court case, Loving v. Virginia, the unanimous court decided that, “[u]nder our Constitution, the freedom to marry, or not marry, a person of another race resides with the individual and cannot be infringed by the State.”

Apparently, Louisiana Justice of the Peace Keith Bardwell hasn’t been paying attention. Bardwell, who claims he is not a racist, recently refused to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple.

Read Justice Stands by Refusal to Wed Couple on AOLnews.

[Source: AOL News]