Don’s Family Law Blog

 I’ve earlier referred to empirical observations of the role of social networking web sites and relocation of families in family law.  The web sites are enabling introductions and the desire to move.  There is now plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that this phenomenon extends well beyond younger marrieds to older couples.

Facebook, in particular, is creating a stir even for those in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.  In recent weeks I have been made aware of 3 spouses in their 50’s and 60’s developing relationships with women in the United States as a consequence of, or leading to, marital discord.

It surely was on a year or two ago that these sites were only used by young singles.

Apparently a “divorce gene” has been discovered (full article).

It has been said “when poverty comes in the door, love flies out the window”.  For Queensland, at least, this is wrong.  It has been reported in the Brisbane Times that there has been approximately a 9.2% decrease in the divorce rate of Queenslanders from 2006 to 2007 and that “it may be money keeping couples together rather than love”.

My experience tells me that in poor economic times the bonds tighten and there are fewer separations.  Good times lead to a feeling of well being.  The expanding economy provides security and a belief that you can `go it alone’.