Should Couples Use Positive Emotions to Avoid Relationship Dissatisfaction? Research Suggests That A Happy Marriage Involves How We Respond to Our Partner’s Good News
A recent study claims that the key to a happy marriage may be simpler than we think. According to Raluca Petrican, R. Shayna Rosenbaum and Cheryl Grady of the Rotman Research Institute, a happy marriage is comprised of partners who are especially sensitive to their spouse’s positive news and experiences.
It is well established that being there for our partner in their time of need is an important part of a healthy relationship. However, this research seems to indicate that overall relationship satisfaction depends just as much on how our partner reacts to good information that we share.
In their research, Petrican and her colleagues studied 14 women with an average age of 72, who had been married an average of 40 years. To read their full report, click here. These women all completed a marriage questionnaire and then were asked to watch silent, 10 second videos while having their brains scanned. These videos either depicted their spouse or a stranger displaying an emotion that did not “match” with the one sentence description of the … Read More... “Happy Marriage Must Include Positive Emotions”
Generally speaking, the IRS does not allow a write-off for court costs and legal fees stemming from a divorce. It does, however, offer deductions for any portions of those fees related to tax advice and alimony.
On November 14, 2015, an article entitled, “Ohio Domestic Relations and Juvenile Forms Translated in Five Languages” was posted to this blog. In it, I discussed how recently the Ohio Supreme Court made key juvenile and domestic relations forms available in the most used languages in Ohio including: Spanish, Russian, French, Chinese and Arabic. To read the full text of that article click 
The Federal Reserve Board has recently published a working paper entitled, “Credit Scores and Committed Relationships.” In it, authors Jane Dokko, Geng Li and Jessica Hayes explore the potential correlation between one’s credit score and their likelihood of being a good partner or spouse. The study’s results seem to suggest that people with higher credit scores are more likely to be in committed relationships. In addition, the authors argue that how well a couple’s credit scores match initially, may also be a good indicator of whether the relationship has staying power. To read the full study see, 
Around this time of year, it is impossible to go anywhere without hearing or seeing something reminding us to “give thanks” and to get into the “holiday” spirit. However, as the joy and excitement of the season spreads, so does the stress and anxiety that goes along with it. While it may seem strange to those of us who believe this is the “most wonderful time of the year,” for the victims of child abuse, it can actually be the worst.
Obviously going through an unexpected or difficult divorce can be one of the most stressful experiences in an individual’s life. While many clients can navigate the process unassisted without professional help, others really cannot. Some people think that they can talk with family members or friends to help pull them through. Typically, however, those who are deeply distressed really need professional help by a therapist to guide them through the entire process and transition to their life post-divorce. Many people view having a therapist or counselor as a sign of weakness. It certainly is not. My experience as a divorce attorney for over 35 years is that when the attorney and therapist work together, it can often eliminate years of paralysis for a client.
Over the years, the U.S. Department of Justice has fashioned several consent decrees with several states and has negotiated with them to meet their obligation to provide language access. Ohio has been active for years in supporting the rights of people in the court system whose English ability is limited.