Mandatory Marriage Counseling

America is continuously plagued by part at an frightful rate destroying the basic structure of our lodge, which is the family. The trend is ever increasing and a growing problem in Ameri tr adenosine monophosphate cultivation. Divorce rate kept rising since 1920s with 13.4 per 100 trade unions to 32.8 per 100 marriages in 1988. Today, studies have shown that 50% of first marriages in the linked States fail. In 1940, the National Center for health Statistics recorded 264,000 divorces and annulments and reached 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 longsighted time of marriage and 91 percent after five years of marriage. almost studies find the divorce rate for second marriages is as much as 10 percent higher than for first-timers. The chance of acquire divorced carcass so high that it makes sense for wholly told wed couples including those who are so on satisfied with their relationship to put extra effort into their marriages to keep them strong. (Gottman & adenine Silver 4).The effectuate of divorce are most severe among women and in particular to children who may develop psychological problems leading to juvenile delinquency. Economically open to their husbands and fathers, these women and children are forced to go on welfare and practically left-hand(a) homeless.Realizing this serious problem, state governments are now initiating measures to save marriages from deteriorating and protect families from interruption apart by decreeing truths of needed marriage counseling prior to getting a marriage license in hope of preventing more divorces. I favor such law that would educate couples about the seriousness of marriage and the necessity to keeplong inscription. Critics oppose this early intervention because it is just a waste of time and money or that counseling does not work.More often in marriage expectations ar e in contrast with realities resulting to various conflicts. It is highly important 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 prenuptial counseling. In the report entitled Can Louisianas plight conglutination Law Solve Americas Divorce difficulty?, 81% of the 521 married couples believed that obligatory counseling was very important.Their overall married quality was better compared to those who did not take premarital counseling. In addition, their levels of commitment and agreement were higher. They experienced fewer worries and have greater sharing of mansion chores.The Evil of Divorce. To clearly discuss the merits of mandatory marriage counseling, I savour the urge to talk about the evils of divorce so that one can truly appr eciate the benefits of counseling in the preservation of marriage. Each year, many 1.2 jillion children plough products of divorced parents. Their normal childhood experiences are discontinue and filled with all sorts of stress. Many of them carry physical and emotional suffering throughout their adulthood and may commit the same mistakes as their parents did. It is a chain reaction that affects family and our society.Children increase in angiotensin-converting enzyme-parent families are more plausibly to drop out of high tame, have lower grades and attendance epoch 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 unemployed 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 story lower on measures of self-concept, social competence, conduct, psychological adjustment and long-term health. (Bramlett & Mosher 4).Furthermore, they commit crimes, exhibit suicidal tendency, hook in il licit drugs, and become victims of abuse. They have turned into unproductive members of American society. The government spends almost $cl billion annually trying to subsidize single-parent families. However, only $150 million a year is devoted to programs that corroborate marriages. Most marriages end in divorce because of poor communications, financial problems, lack of commitment, infidelity, failed expectations, and physical, emotional or intimate abuse.As an institution, the government has the obligation to protect and restore the integrity of marriage. Thus mandatory marriage counseling is one of the best ways to teach couples the sizeableness and true meaning of lifelong commitment. To rebuild the traditions of family life, the government in all levels must have the pull up stakes to act to safeguard the sanctit y of marriage.The Benefits of coupling Counseling. The principal aim of marital counseling is to help couples stay together. matrimonial education immunizes couples against disappointment 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 success of family life. Mandatory counseling will help couples strengthen their relationship, turn in, intimacy, and commitment. It will enhance their communication skills and manage conflicts with the right attitude.This process will also evaluate 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 tally themselves in overcoming future challenges. Having a better view of marriage with its legal and natural obligations, couples will have a better chance to live a healthier 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 wad get married only to discover the true character of their mate and it is already too late to retreat. With mandatory counseling, couples will have the fortune to know each other sincerely and have the chance to lodge and resolve their problems and apprehensions before living together for a very long time. I suggest that couples seek premarital counseling so that they would full understand and value 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. One can easily obtain divorce by simply writing irreconcilable differences. They forget that marriage has special obligations 1) to love and respect each o ther (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 union 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 chaste 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 values as well as formulate and ornament 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 educated 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 beseech on its risks. Community-based marriage programs are advantageous to assist couples in getting married and monitor 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 devising Marriage Work A Practical Guide from the Countrys Foremost alliance Expert. Three 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 Health Statistics, Series 23, No. 22. Department of Health and gay 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. state-supported Law Research Institute. University of California Hastings Colleg e of Law. 2004. 10 April 2007 http//sierra.uchastings.edu/plri/spring98/marriage.htmlSpaht, Katherine Shaw. Covenant Marriage An Achievable Legal Response to the Inherent Nature of Marriage and its motley Goods. Ave Maria Law Review. Vol. 42. 2006. 10 April 2007 http//www.avemarialaw.edu/publications/lawReview/articles/AMLR.v4i2.spaht.final2.pdf