Tag Archives: divorce

Bury Your Ring with the Past

Recently, I wrote an article What Does a Ring Mean? In this article I discussed how I had lost the diamond from my engagement ring. I also talked about how my marriage was still strong even though I no longer have the diamond. This article lead me to thinking about wedding bands and wedding rings. If my marriage is strong without a ring, what about divorces with the rings? I can only imagine the agony and rememberance of hard times that a wedding band could carry with it, especially if the marriage ended on a bad note. Some people rush … Continue reading →

Marriage and Divorce

Marriage is a life-long commitment that requires a great deal of work on a daily basis. It is not easy to care for a family and take on the added responsibilities that come along with it. If you are unhappily married, it can be extremely difficult to handle the conflicts and stress that arises within your family life. There are very few situations where divorce is the first option. It is important to make sure that you have worked through every possible solution before turning to divorce. Here are five areas to consider: 1) It is important that the partners … Continue reading →

Shaq Files For Divorce

Was it all about the Benjamins? Whatever the reason Shaquille O’Neal has decided his marriage to wife Shaunie is “irretrievably broken.” According to court documents, the basketball star filed for divorce from his wife in Miami yesterday after nearly five years of marriage and four children together. The Miami Herald is reporting that the couple has a prenuptial agreement. What’s more, the newspaper reveals that a clue to the break up may be contained in the court documents. One request in the divorce petition says Shaunie has been “secretive about her assets … particularly with respect to certain properties owned … Continue reading →

General Conference: “Divorce”

In his talk “Divorce” Elder Dallin H Oaks speaks about how divorce has affected the members of the church. He speaks to those who have been divorced, then to those who may be considering divorce and to those who are contemplating getting married. Elder Oaks emphasizes the importance of eternal marriage the commitments that you make when you enter into these covenants. Elder Oaks opens his talk by pointing out how commonplace divorce has become in the world. He laments the fact that divorces have become so common. He points out that people look at marriage as a contract that … Continue reading →

Your Child Still Has Two Parents

When I sat down to write this blog, I realized it might be controversial, but it was actually spurred by things that my nearly-grown teens remind me of—they remind me that while I am a single parent and my household is a single parent household, they still have two parents. And, regardless of whether things work out equally or both parents are equally involved in their lives, they are still influenced by and a reflection of, both parents. I know that not all single parent families are formed by divorce. But, unless you have chosen to give birth or adopt … Continue reading →

Getting in the Right Frame of Mind for Negotiations

I know that “doing business” with your child or children’s other parent is not always a matter of convenience. We can’t always plan things out for times when we are feeling calm and neutral and well-rested. Still, if you are a single parent by divorce or separation, of if there is still another parent in your child’s life out there somewhere–there is a good chance that you will occasionally have to interact with each other and negotiate, and this can bring out our evil twin if we aren’t prepared… Boy, do I know this one firsthand! If I have had … Continue reading →

When Your Kids Complain About a Step-Parent–Part Two

I wrote yesterday the first part of a two-part article about the problem of negotiating between your kids and a step-parent. I wrote about maneuvering and addressing issues when you are the one in the middle between your kids and a new partner or step-parent of your choosing. It can be a completely different ball game when your ex-spouse or partner re-marries and introduces a new step-parent into the picture that you have NOT chosen, and you might not even really know… My kids’ father has re-partnered and this has added new dimensions to and expanded our family in new … Continue reading →

When Your Kids Complain About a Step-Parent–Part One

There is no denying that divorce can complicate a family. As you probably know by now, I don’t necessarily think this is always a bad thing, sometimes it can add some wonderful new dimensions to a family (not to mention, new extended family members and intended “family”)–but there might not be anything (after the initial break-up, custody and money issues) that is a more slippery slope that adding in a new step parent. I think I should confess to you all that I have never played the role of step-parent but I would actually love the opportunity. Since I’ve been … Continue reading →

“No, We Are Not Getting Back Together”

Enough years have passed that my children have grown quite used to the way things are—two households, post-divorce. As a matter of fact, so much time has passed that it is sometimes hard for them to really fathom that it was ever any different. Of course, we have our stories and memories, but the reality of day-to-day living has taken over. In the early months, however, my kids were pretty typical and they harbored that “Parent Trap” mentality that their divorcing parents might actually get back together… I think it is important for parents who are definitely divorcing to be … Continue reading →

The 50 Reasons Why

Are you ready to quit your marriage? Not all marriages die in rancor and fury. In fact, many marriages die from apathy, disinterest or just sheer lack of connection and empathy. Knowing where you are in your relationship has become a multi-billion dollar industry with everyone from Dr. Phil to Oprah Winfrey to the National Enquirer offering their opinions (educated or not) on how to know when your marriage is over. An Ounce of Divorce Prevention Marriage should never be about divorce. Many times, when a couple decides on divorce, there are unique and extenuating circumstances. These circumstances are not … Continue reading →