Emancipation!

A special thanks today goes out to the judicial system of Maryland for finally freeing my beloved from the bonds of a fairly ridiculous matrimony!

(A disclaimer note: although I've secretly delighted in being a "mistress" and "homewrecker" the likes of which lurk in satin amongst the pages of Danielle Steel novels, I had nothing to do with the divorce, have never met nor desire to meet the errant spouse in question and did not start dating the petitioner until after the papers were filed.)

It is my above spicy little affair that has prompted the public service announcement your reading now. Although the U.S. Divorce rate has gone down the past 10 years, it's still hovering around 40% according to this study. While most people do address the solemnity that is necessitated when agreeing to love, honor and cherish 'til death, few ponder the "What if..." should one's spouse have their fingers crossed during the vows. There's a fun little rule on the books in most states that requires a separation to obtain a no-fault divorce, and is an unavoidable prerequisite in those states that only allow fault grounds.

The state of Maryland requires 1 year before filing and does not allow no-fault. Long? Yes. Absurd? Just a bit. However, "The Land of Pleasant Living" is not even close to being the worst nuptial narc. The state of Idaho required 5 years of separation before granting a no-fault divorce. States of Rhode Island, Texas and Utah follow on the ludicrous meter with 3 years. True, the above mentioned also allow fault divorce but only if the proper grounds are met.

So, a word of caution to those looking to tred the carpet of matrimonial bliss...checking your state's laws before things go awry isn't being a killjoy, it's just good common sense when entering into a contract to read the fine print; the religious cloud that hangs over most nuptials might blur the fact that this is a legally binding contract, but not in the eye of the state.... especially Idaho, a drunken road trip through there could land you 5 years on the sidelines!

Now, to go celebrate with Chicago’s newest bachelor!