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Originally Posted by SDChiefsfan
Of course. Big time. So, would it be desirable social policy, IF it led to couples tryin' to "work it out" in situations where there truly is hope? Absolutely.
That said, American obsession with truly radical notions of "freedom," "choice," and "egalitarianism" would trump any consideration of what many would call "marginal" benefits. We are too selfish, too arrogant, and too blind to see past our own personal gratification and "happiness."
The irony is that numerous studies I've read over the years state that, generally (of course), divorced people more often than not make the same choices and often marry someone else later who is remarkably similar to their former spouse. Of course, there are exceptions, and some people who "learn" from their experiences--make no mistake about that. Many though, end up no happier in their new relationships than they were in their old--and yet the divorce has also negatively impacted their children.
So, would making divorce more difficult be a net gain for society? Probably. Is it going to happen? Not a chance. We are too narcisistic (I am as well) for it to ever happen.
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The types of hurdles I have in mind are things like denying custody and support to a spouse who leaves against the wishes of the other spouse and without any grounds for doing so (e.g. abuse, infidelity, addiction, etc.). On the other hand, if it were mutual or if the spouse who wants to leave has grounds for the divorce then custody and support would be available. If a person wants to leave a marriage that hasn't been marred by the types of things mentioned above, then they should be able to do so. They just shouldn't be able to take the kids and a portion of the spouse's future earnings with them. And they probably ought to be at a disadvantage when it comes to separating the marital property.