Mandatory Marriage Counseling

America is continuously plagued by divorce at an diswhitethorn rate destroying the basic structure of our society, which is the family. The trend is ever increasing and a growing problem in American culture. Divorce rate unplowed rising since 1920s with 13.4 per 100 hymenealss to 32.8 per 100 sums in 1988. Today, studies extradite shown that 50% of first marriages in the United States fail. In 1940, the National Center for health Statistics recorded 264,000 divorces and annulments and r severall(a)yed 1,182,000 in 1990.On the other hand, the National Survey of Families and Household cited that 84 percent of separated women would seek divorce after three long time of marriage and 91 percent after five stratums of marriage. just about studies find the divorce rate for second marriages is as much as 10 percent higher than for first-timers. The chance of getting divorced ashes so high that it makes sense for all unite couples including those who atomic number 18 in the lead long satisfied with their relationship to put extra effort into their marriages to keep them strong. (Gottman & eloquent 4).The effects of divorce are most severe among women and especially to children who may develop psychological problems leading to juvenile delinquency. Economically dependent to their husbands and fathers, these women and children are forced to live on welfare and practically left homeless.Realizing this knockout problem, state political relations are now initiating measures to save marriages from deteriorating and protect families from breaking away by enacting laws of mandatory marriage counselor prior to getting a marriage license in hope of preventing more divorces. I promote such law that would educate couples about the seriousness of marriage and the prerequisite to lifelong commitment. Critics oppose this early intervention because it is just a use up of time and money or that focussing does not work.More often in marriage expectations are in con trast with realities resulting to various divergences. It is extremely primal therefore that would be married couples completely comprehend what they are up against, know the challenges that they may encounter, and learn how to deal with uncertainties. When Louisiana passed the law in 1997, Steven L. Nock conducted a five-year empirical study about the consequences of premarital counseling. In the report entitled Can Louisianas Covenant wedding ceremony integrity Solve Americas Divorce Problem?, 81% of the 521 married couples believed that mandatory counseling was very important.Their overall marital character was better compared to those who did not take premarital counseling. In addition, their levels of commitment and promise were higher. They experienced fewer worries and have greater sharing of household chores.The offense of Divorce. To clearly discuss the merits of mandatory marriage counseling, I feel the pep up to talk about the evils of divorce so that one can rat tling appreciate the benefits of counseling in the preservation of marriage. Each year, some 1.2 cardinal children become products of divorced parents. Their normal childhood experiences are disrupted and fill with all sorts of stress. Many of them carry carnal and emotional pain end-to-end their adulthood and may commit the resembling mistakes as their parents did. It is a arrange reaction that affects family and our society.Children raised(a) in single-parent families are more likely to cutpurse out of high school, have abase grades and attendance while in school, and are less likely to attend and graduate from college than children raised in two-parent families. They are more likely to be out of school and indolent and are also more likely to become single parents themselves, than children raised in two-parent families. Studies have found that, compared to children in two-parent families, children of divorce score lower on measures of self-concept, affable competence, c onduct, psychological adjustment and long-term health. (Bramlett & Mosher 4).Furthermore, they commit crimes, give suicidal tendency, hook in illegal drugs, and become victims of abuse. They have sour into unproductive members of American society. The government spends almost $150 billion p.a. trying to subsidize single-parent families. However, only $150 million a year is devoted to programs that strengthen marriages. Most marriages end in divorce because of paltry communications, financial problems, lack of commitment, infidelity, failed expectations, and physical, emotional or sexual abuse.As an innovation, the government has the promise to protect and restore the integrity of marriage. Thus mandatory marriage counseling is one of the lift out ways to t for each one couples the importance and true content of lifelong commitment. To rebuild the traditions of family life, the government in all levels must have the go out to act to safeguard the sanctity of marriage.The Bene fits of Marriage Counseling. The principal civilize of marital counseling is to help couples stay together. Marital education immunizes couples against vexation and despairit also prevents the development of problems that are costly to children and all of society. Mismanaged conflict predicts both marital distress and negative effects on childrens physical and mental health. (Leslie par. 21). Preparation before marriage is critical to the victory of family life. Mandatory counseling will help couples strengthen their relationship, love, intimacy, and commitment. It will elicit their communication skills and manage conflicts with the sort out attitude.This process will also assess the views and determination of the couples whether they are ready and compatible for marriage at the same time identify possible setbacks and weaknesses to better equip themselves in overcoming coming(prenominal) challenges. Having a better view of marriage with its legal and natural obligations, cou ples will have a better chance to live a healthy marriage.Through counseling, couples will have informed decisions to enrich their married life. A well-planned marriage is the key to combat divorce. More often people get married only to discover the true character of their partner and it is already alike late to retreat. With mandatory counseling, couples will have the opportunity to know each other sincerely and have the chance to confront and resolve their problems and apprehensions before living together for a very long time. I indicate that couples seek premarital counseling so that they would fully understand and entertain the meaning of marriage and family.Conclusion. In our modern culture many Americans no longer see the importance of marriage. They look at marriage as a private contract rather than a lifelong commitment. ane can easily obtain divorce by simply writing irreconcilable differences. They forget that marriage has special obligations 1) to love and respect e ach other (2) to live together (3) to make decisions relating to family life in the best interest of the family (4) to maintain and teach their children in accordance with their capacities, natural inclinations, and aspirations and (5) the right and duty of each spouse to manage the household. (Spaht 469).Marriage is a social institution and the foundation of every family. As a moral fiber of American society, families must be protected by all means. It is the duty of all citizens. However, the government must take steps to enact laws in preserving family determine as well as formulate and invest in social programs that strengthen marriages.Counseling is a helpful tool in rescuing marriages. That is why I advocate for the passage of bills that would require couples to attend mandatory marriage counseling before they can obtain their license so that they be improve on the responsibilities and commitment they have to render to society and their families. Should it be necessary, the rules on divorce must be strict and that no-fault divorce must end.The government must set goals to reduce divorce and campaign on its risks. Community-based marriage programs are advantageous to assist couples in getting married and oversee those marriages that are endangered. In this way, any problem would be resolved immediately. By saving marriages, we save our families.ReferencesGottman, John and Silver, Nan. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage cipher A Practical Guide from the Countrys Foremost Relationship Expert. troika Rivers Press, New York. 16 May 2000.Bramlett, Matthew D. Ph.D. and Mosher, William D. Ph.D. Cohabitation, Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage in the United States. Vital and wellness Statistics, Series 23, No. 22. Department of Health and Human Services. July 2002. 10 April 2007 http//www.cdc.gov/nchs/ data/series/sr_23/sr23_022.pdfLeslie, Mark A. Legislative Efforts to Strengthen Marriage. Public Law investigate Institute. University of California Has tings College of Law. 2004. 10 April 2007 http//sierra.uchastings.edu/plri/spring98/marriage.htmlSpaht, Katherine Shaw. Covenant Marriage An Achievable statutory Response to the Inherent Nature of Marriage and its Various Goods. Ave Maria Law Review. Vol. 42. 2006. 10 April 2007 http//www.avemarialaw.edu/publications/lawReview/articles/AMLR.v4i2.spaht.final2.pdf