The New World of Same-Sex Divorce – The recent rulings by the United States Supreme Court on same-sex marriage have generated a fair amount of comment, by lawyers, gay activists, and social commentators. Ironic as it may seem, some of the greatest impact of these decisions will emerge in the parallel universe of marriage, i.e. divorce. The ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) will ease the divorce process for many same-sex couples, and make divorce more equitable for them. The Proposition 8 case will lead to far more marriages in California, and thus, inevitably, more divorces. And in the long run, the DOMA decision will most likely open up the marriage doors in the more than thirty non-recognition states – thus eventually leading to more marriages and thus more same-sex divorces.

Medical Malpractice Helps Encourage Patient Safety – According to recent studies, medical malpractice suits have more positive effects than negative, and actually contribute to improved patient safety. Yet, advocates of medical malpractice tort reform have been busy with campaign efforts in key states. As recently as June 2013, the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce sent out a survey polling members on their thoughts about initiating a constitutional amendment that would make it harder to sue for damages.

Do I Litigate, Mediate or Collaborate in My Divorce? – When a new client comes into the office, a part of our initial discussion is which one of three forks in the road should the client take in this case. Is this a case that must be litigated because there are issues that only a Judge can decide? Are the parties able to retain the services of a 3rd party mediator to work through their divorce? What about the new kid on the block, this collaborative divorce idea?

Mortgage Options While Going Through a Divorce – Going through a divorce can be a traumatic time for anyone. Although the love may have faded away and you want to part ways, the home you’ve acquired while married can turn into a major obstacle for both parties. – See more at: http://www.loansafe.org/mortgage-options-while-going-through-a-divorce#sthash.wPsudLbb.dpuf

Student Debt: Not Just a Problem for College Kids – In early July, Congress failed to reach a deal on student loans and allowed the rate to spike from 3.4 to 6.8 percent. The rate might come back down later in the month, but where the coaster goes next… no one is quite sure.

The Job Benefit We Covet Most Is … Health Care, of Course – Last week, the jobs and career community website published the results of its latest Quarterly Employment Confidence Survey. Among other things, it reveals which fringe benefits American workers value most highly. The item that came in at No. 1 will come as no surprise to most people (and certainly no surprise to President Obama): Once you take salary out of the picture, what we want most is health care coverage.

Senate, Ending Debate, Moves to Final Vote on Immigration – The most significant overhaul of the nation’s immigration laws in a generation easily cleared the final obstacle to passage in the Senate on Thursday, when 68 senators, including 14 Republicans, voted to end debate on the bill and move to a final vote.

Divorce: Who Gets The Air Miles? – Reaching a divorce settlement agreement is largely about dividing marital assets. You’ll negotiate a division of your jointly-owned real estate, stock portfolios, cash and even more unusual assets such as expensive collections of art, wine, antique guns or whatever else you and your husband have come to own together over the years. With all that under discussion, it may seem a bit ridiculous to bring up something that seems as trivial as frequent flyer miles. Who cares, right?

Senate, Ending Debate, Moves to Final Vote on Immigration – The most significant overhaul of the nation’s immigration laws in a generation easily cleared the final obstacle to passage in the Senate on Thursday, when 68 senators, including 14 Republicans, voted to end debate on the bill and move to a final vote.

Divorce: Who Gets The Air Miles? – Reaching a divorce settlement agreement is largely about dividing marital assets. You’ll negotiate a division of your jointly-owned real estate, stock portfolios, cash and even more unusual assets such as expensive collections of art, wine, antique guns or whatever else you and your husband have come to own together over the years. With all that under discussion, it may seem a bit ridiculous to bring up something that seems as trivial as frequent flyer miles. Who cares, right?

Not Your Mother’s Divorce: Three 21st Century Trends – Marriage rates are decreasing, so divorce rates are decreasing, as well.

Intellectual Property: A Key Driver of our Economy – Innovation and creativity have always been the foundation of our economy, and effective enforcement of intellectual property rights enables us to promote economic growth, ensure our global competitiveness, and protect the health and safety of our citizens. Today’s release of the Administration’s 2013 Joint Strategic Plan for Intellectual Property Enforcement builds on our efforts to protect intellectual property to date, and provides a roadmap for our work over the next three years. In preparing the 2013 Joint Strategic Plan, we solicited public comment on how to improve our approach, and that public input was invaluable in drafting the final version of the Joint Strategic Plan. We will continue to seek public views on how to best promote and protect intellectual property rights.

How to Answer the 3 Most Important Questions Kids Ask About Divorce – Probably the worst moment of my ongoing divorce was when we sat down with our son and broke the news to him. He immediately burst into tears, and for a split second, I wanted to take it all back just to spare him the pain. But I couldn’t do that. We had to move forward. Soon, our son had questions — and we had to find the right answers.

The Daily Docket: Orchard Enters Bankruptcy – Orchard Supply Hardware Stores filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Monday with plans to sell itself to Lowe’s Cos., subject to higher bids at auction. Click here for the Daily Bankruptcy Review article.