Articles Posted in Divorce / Dissolution of Marriage

Superstars Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler are reportedly ready to move in together and settle down. According to sources close to Aniston, the former Friends star suggested to her new beau that the two move in together while contemplating a more permanent arrangement.

Aniston has been rather famously single since her marriage with Hollywood Heartthrob Brad Pitt ended nearly a decade ago. But she has told friends recently that she believes she needs a man in her life again. She has reportedly let Butler know that when he is ready for a commitment, she will say “yes.”

In the meantime, Aniston’s lawyers are said to be drawing up a prenuptial agreement to protect the actress’ fortunes. Friends of Aniston’s say that she wants the agreement so that she can be sure money will never be an issue between the couple. She feels that having the agreement in place will help things move more quickly once the two are ready for a larger commitment.

During the final weeks of the popular dating reality show “The Bachelor”, the young pilot bachelor pays a visit with the ladies to their respective families. Gia, Allie, Tenley and Vienna are the “lucky” finalists this season, and Jake, the bachelor, dutifully travelled to Massachusetts, Oregon, Florida, and New York to meet the families of the women he is dating on the show.

One of the bachelorettes, Tenley, is a divorcee from Oregon. Part of the drama of the show is the idea that Tenley may not be fully over her recent divorce; something Jake will have to take into consideration when making his final choice. When visiting her family, it was clear that they were very protective of her and didn’t want to see her get hurt by another failed romantic relationship.

Contrary to popular belief there is such thing as successful dating after divorce. Public dating on a popular TV show may not be the way most women and men choose to begin dating again after a break up, but there is no question that getting back into the dating scene is a positive step toward healing.

A new research study from Pennsylvania’s Wharton School undertaken on behalf of the research group Council on Contemporary Families came out recently. The report indicates that those with a college education are more likely to be married, and to be happy in their marriages. According to the report, college educated women in particular were more likely to be married at the age of forty than their less educated counterparts, and were more likely to report that they were happy in their relationships.

Back in 1950, only seventy four percent of forty year old women had been married at some point, compared to ninety percent of women with only a high school diploma. As of 2008, the numbers had changed to eighty six percent and eighty eight percent, respectively. Additionally, the women with college degrees were much less likely to be divorced; by the age of forty, seventy six percent of college grads were still married, compared to only sixty three percent of high school graduates.

Read more about the new study that shows how college education correlates to happier marriages at College Linked to Marriage.

Dennis Hopper is reportedly dying of prostate cancer. But friends say that he is holding onto life until he can do just one more thing – divorce his wife. The star of Easy Rider and other Hollywood hits once lavished his wife, Victoria Duffy, with expensive gifts, including a ranch, artwork, and expensive clothing. But Hopper apparently feels that his wife is trying to get more from his estate than she is entitled to under the couple’s prenuptial agreement. A friend of Hopper reports that the star is angry at his wife’s greed, saying the more he gave her the more she wanted.

According to the prenuptial agreement, Ms. Duffy is entitled to a quarter of Hopper’s estate. Hopper reportedly filed for divorce to keep her from contesting his will, which leaves her the same amount as the prenuptial agreement, after he passes.

Ms. Duffy has not been present at Hopper’s bedside during his cancer treatment. He has surrounded himself with his children and his ex-wife, saying that he only wants to spend time with his family and close friends. Ms. Duffy has remained at the couple’s home during Hopper’s treatment. Hopper’s rep admitted that the couple has been having trouble and that Hopper wants peace and quiet in his hospital room. The couple has been married for over thirteen years and have a six year old daughter.

In the past, a divorce generally meant that the two parties were completely split from each other, with only limited interaction if required by children or alimony. But the modern divorce is quite different. Women and men who don’t “keep in touch” after the divorce are in danger of being seen as unsophisticated and insecure. A new book called “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Ex”, by Heather Belle and Michelle Fiordaliso outlines the new rules of ended relationships.

The new paradigm of divorce is being fueled by changes in marriage itself. Couples generally wait longer to marry, meaning that they have already experienced multiple relationships and breakups, so they are able to handle them better than someone who married his or her high school sweetheart. Social networking, cell phones and email also make it easier to remain amicable without speaking face to face.

Therapists warn that it may seem healthy to remain in contact with an ex, but not to live in the past. Pining after your former partner can keep you from committing to a new relationship. If you find yourself thinking about your ex all the time, engaging in fights with them, or discouraging their new relationships, it is time to seek professional therapy. Read more about maintaining a modern relationship with your ex-spouse at The ex factor: Old flames in a new light.

A recent trend that has been sweeping the nation is the divorce party; women and men both throw these parties to symbolize a rite of passage back into being single. What is the etiquette of throwing a divorce party? The following tips will help you plan the perfect bash:

– Wait until the divorce is final

– Make sure your kids are out of the house