A recent Op-Ed piece in the New York Times, published on the 40th anniversary of California's no-fault divorce law, argues that the process of divorce be changed to avoid damaging children.

The essay, written by Ruth Bettelheim, is titled "No Fault of Their Own." It cites studies that show most adult children from divorced families are no worse off socially, economically, intellectually, or psychologically than their peers whose parents stayed married. There are "two explanations for this," Bettelheim writes. "Children who have to cope with their parents' separation and post-divorce lives often grow resilient, self-reliant, adaptable and independent. And children benefit from escaping the high-conflict environment of a rocky marriage. After their parents separation, as conflicts fade, children recover."

However, sustained conflict within a family, Bettelheim says, has adverse affects on children, resulting in "low self-esteem, depression, high anxiety, difficulty forming relationships, delinquency and withdrawal from the world."

If reducing family conflict is beneficial for kids, Bettelheim reasons that minimizing the astringency of divorce proceedings is logical. The no-fault divorce, she says, is a step in the right direction.

If you or someone you know is considering divorce, please contact the Raleigh divorce lawyers of Marshal & Taylor, P.C., by calling 919-833-1040.

A judge has ruled that the divorce proceedings of South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford and his Jenny Sanford can be televised. 

Attorney Jay Bender, legal representation for the South Carolina Press Association and the South Carolina Broadcaster Association,  said that courts in South Carolina are open to the public and media outlets can request to bring cameras at any time. However Jenny Sanfrod's attorney, Deena Smith McRackan, says cameras are rarely allowed into divorce court. "It is not common,especially in the family court." McRackan said. "We do not feel it is a benefit to Jenny. We feel that it can be harmful in a family situation, especially for the children."

Bender argues that while family law is intrinsically private, the governor's involvement adds a public dimension to this case. "Part of this divorce is the governor's unacknowledged absence from the state to have an extramarital affair," says Bender. The governor went to Argentina with a girlfriend, telling aides that he was hiking the Appalachian trail.

If you or someone you know is considering divorce, please contact the Raleigh divorce lawyers of Marshal & Taylor, P.C., by calling 919-833-1040.

Actor Mathew Settle and his wife have announced plans to divorce.

The 40 year-old Gossip Girl star and his 26 year-old wife, Naama Nativ, have been separated for months, but recently confirmed a divorce was in the works. The two have a child together, Aven Agelica Settle, who was born last March.

Settle said in a statement: "Things happen in life and you just have to roll with it. I wish things could have been better but our focus is on our daughter... it's always a tragedy when things happen, and that's all I can say."

Neither Settle or Nativ has filed for divorce, but close sources expect the couple to be in court soon.

Dealing with family law issues is incredible difficult, both emotionally and financially. If you are considering a divorce, or if you have any questions regarding North Carolina's complex divorce laws, please contact the experienced Raleigh divorce attorneys of Marshal & Taylor, P.C., by calling 919-833-1040.

British pop-singer Cheryl Cole is reportedly planning to file for divorce.

A judge on the television show The X Factor, is expected file for divorce from her Soccer player husband, Ashley, within weeks. Sources close to the Girls Aloud singer said the decision is related to the recent sex scandal involving her husband. Ashley Cole had taken lewd cell phone pictures and sent them to a topless model. 

Cheryl Cole has been spotted in public recently without her $250,000 wedding ring. The couple failed to sign a pre-nuptial agreement prior to their three-year marriage, meaning the divorce will likely be a costly one. The couple was listed in the Sunday Times Rich List last year with an estimated joint worth of $20.3 million.

Dealing with family law issues is incredible difficult, both emotionally and financially. If you are considering a divorce, or if you have any questions regarding North Carolina's complex divorce laws, please contact the experienced Raleigh divorce attorneys of Marshal & Taylor, P.C., by calling 919-833-1040.

Legendary tennis player Ilie Natase has filed for divorce from his wife after seven years of marriage.

The 63-year-old tennis great stated Friday that he and his wife, Amalia Nastase, "are at a crossroads and can only continue as friends and business partners." The "Nasty" Romanian married 34-year-old Amalia Nastase in 2003 after dating for six years. The couple have two daughters.

Natase won the US Open in 1972 and the French Open in 1973.

If you are considering divorce, you deserve an experienced attorney you can trust. Please contact a Raleigh divorce lawyer of Marshal & Taylor, P.C. by calling 919-833-1040.

Veteran actor Dennis Hopper has filed for divorce from his wife of 13 years.

The 73 year-old Hollywood legend, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for inoperable, metastasized prostate cancer, filed for divorce on Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court. Court documents detail lots of screaming and shouting among the actor and his wife.

The actor's son, 19-year-old son Henry, said in a deposition that Victoria Duffy, Hoppers estranged wife, has "made my father's life a living hell over the last six months."

A judge recently granted Hopper's request for a restraining order against Duffy. The order stipulates that she must stay ten feet away from Hopper and his adult children at all times. She is also barred from entering Hopper's primary residence.

David Agus, Hopper's personal physician, said the divorce is having an adverse effect on the actor's battle with cancer. "It is my belief and recommendation..." Agus said, "...that the less Mr. Hopper has to do with his estranged wife at this time, the more likely he is to have his life extended."

If you are considering divorce, please contact a Raleigh divorce lawyer of Marshal & Taylor, P.C. by calling 919-833-1040.