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Apr 2nd, 2004
Many people believe looser divorce laws may have set off the number of failed marriages, but a study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that when California passed a no-fault divorce law in 1970, the divorce rate initially jumped then fell back to its old level, later falling some more. This pattern was found to occur in other states that passed looser divorce laws as well.
In addition, states that had more relaxed divorce laws witnessed the number of women that committed suicide dropped, there were fewer women murdered by husbands or lovers, and both men and women suffered less domestic violence when compared to states that had not changed its divorce laws. No-fault divorce law states had a ten percent drop in a woman's chance of being killed by a spouse or boyfriend and the rate of female suicide in no-fault states fell by about 20 percent.
Changing divorce laws seem to have given more power to otherwise weaker or more vulnerable spouses. For more information on divorce law, please contact us.
Issues Regarding Child Custody
Child custody rights may be shared by both parents or, primary child custody rights may be awarded to one parent or legal guardian. Since the 1970s the family court will award child custody rights contingent with the best interests of the child.
Child custody for fathers following a divorce is one of the most important aspects of a dissolving marriage. Throughout history the legal presumptions about child custody for fathers has changed significantly. Before the twentieth century children were regarded as the property of their father. Under common law, child custody for fathers was commonly awarded, as children were considered a father's rightful property. A major shift occurred after this period in history, as family courts came to favor mothers in child custody cases. It was presumed that under normal circumstances, children did better when placed in the sole custody of their mothers.