Mandatory Marriage Classes before Couples Get Married - Annotated Bibliography Example

Annotated Bibliography Insert Insert Insert Introduction This is an annotation of ten sources which willbe used in writing a paper with the topic – A policy dictating mandatory marriage classes before couples get married should be introduced. Each source is closely scrutinized by summarizing the main points of the source which are relevant to the topic, assessing how the source factors into the conversation of the topic and the lastly showing its usefulness and contribution to the topic. Annotations Ross, Tim. “Couples who marry young are most likely to divorce.” The Telegraph 17 Feb. 2011. Web. This article gives an outline of the statistics of cases of divorce across the UK. The general allusion is that young couples mostly engage in ‘starter marriages’ and consequently are more likely to end up in divorce in less than five years after marriage. It underscores the fact that divorce is on the rise due to unpreparedness. This source is useful to the research topic because it shows that marriage may not work well without the necessary lessons on this institution. It also helps to show the challenges in life that make people opt for divorce. It is argued that people change every ten years in several aspects and this poses a challenge to their partners. This article therefore adds a lot significance to the research topic as it shows that indeed it important for people to be taken through marriage classes before getting married. State of Florida. “Congratulation.” State of Florida, 1999. Web. 15 Feb. 2013. This source reviews what it means to get into marriage. It outlines the challenges that marriage presents and what it means financially if a couple goes for a divorce. It also outlines the legal repercussions of perpetrators of domestic violence. It helps a reader to have a preview of what marriage is. Getting to know some of these facts may lead to a change in decision on who to marry or getting married to. It also adds much significance to the research topic because it exactly supports the topic. It advocates for marriage class sessions before getting married and attaches a financial incentive to those who attend these classes. The fact that this article gives the views of the Florida Supreme Court on the significance of marriage classes before marriage shows how important this topic is. Peacock, Donna, and Radunovich Heidi. “So You are Getting Married in Florida!” University of Florida, 2004. Web. 15 Feb. 2013. This article contains details and a procedure to be following for those wishing to get married in the state of Florida. Among the requirements at the state of Florida before one gets married is that he or she has to read the Family Law Handbook. Applicants are also required to attend marriage classes and are given financial incentives for that. This article shows the significance with which marriage counseling is viewed in the state of Florida. In my paper, I will argue that the step of a Family Law Handbook and marriage classes as encouraged by the state of Florida are definitely a positive step ahead but not enough as some applicants may choose to ignore reading the book. Carter, Alford. “Transition to Marriage: A Literature Review.” Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences Education 17.1 (1999): 1-24. Print. This paper is a literature review examining the challenges that newly wedded couples undergo in the first year of their marriage. The review examines intrapersonal and Interpersonal developmental issues and how they affect a newlywed couple. The issues that often lead to hurting marriages are presented well. For instance, it shows how different expectations often lead to disagreements in new marriages. It is shown that knowing what one expects in marriage is important before entering into marriage. I intend to quote some of the research findings in my paper from this article to show that marriage classes before marriage have the potential to stop divorces from taking place. Some of the challenges that strain new marriages are issues which can be solved amicably through counseling as discussed in this paper. This means that if such counseling is carried out before marriage then the new couple will avoid unnecessary strains which may push them to divorcing. National Marriage Coalition. “A Marriage Manifesto.” National Marriage Coalition, 2007. Web. 15 Feb. 2013. This article examines the value of marriage to the Australian society. Marriage is viewed as being very important in the society and generally the article is out to show why marriage is far better than divorce. This source emphasizes the significance of maintaining marriage by avoiding divorces. It discusses the economical and social benefits that accrue from marriages. It also attaches societal stability to marriages. Actually, it views marriage as a public good. In my paper, this article will help me to show why everything ought to be done to ensure that any marriage union survives divorce. Marriage is important in many ways as discussed in the article and therefore the worthiness to ensuring that before two persons become a couple they are well prepared to sustain the marriage. Hawthorne, Heather. “Marriage Information.” Chambers County – Texas, n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2013. This short article contains information on obtaining the necessary documents for those intending to get married. The procedure is straightforward and offers a financial incentive of 60 US dollars to those who opt to attend marriage classes before going for the classes. The article has a link to the website of the marriage classes and it is a good show that even states, in this case Texas, are interested in marriage classes. It is a show that elimination of divorce or at least happy marriages is an interest to the state. I will use this article in my paper in showing the increasing number of states that find marriage classes before marriage important. Such states are actually a step to ensuring that marriage classes are mandatory before marriage. The first step made here is that of financial incentive, almost 84% of the license fee is waived for those who attend marriage classes. Viejo, Aliso. “The Benefits of Marriage Counseling.” Dartmouth College, 2010. Web. 15 Feb. 2013. This article discusses the benefits accrued from engaging in marriage counseling. It reveals that more than 95% of the couples who divorce do not go for counseling. It especially dwells on building skills for relating. It is very relevant in the topic of marriage and divorce. It shows what leads to divorce and what can be done to avoid divorce. It also points out a very disturbing fact that most couples who choose to divorce do so without making an attempt to save their marriage at least by seeking counseling. The contribution this article will make to my paper will be in showing that relationship skills are important in sustenance of marriage. I will therefore quote this article and argue that ensuring persons intending to get married acquire these skills will greatly ensure that their marriage will work. Tamara T. Gilliland, et al. "The Marriage Moments Program For Couples Transitioning To Parenthood: Divergent Conclusions From Formative And Outcome Evaluation Data." Journal of Family Psychology 20.4 (2006): 561-570. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 Feb. 2013. This article discusses a study carried out on 155 couples. The study involved taking them through a program, Marriage Moments program, which was meant to help them learn how to prevent deterioration of their relationship. The study was carried out on couples in their 1st year of parenthood. The study showed an attachment between marriage sustenance and counseling. The couples who underwent the Marriage Moments program showed signs of benefits from the program. This therefore is a vote of confidence in marriage counseling and that it works positively in ensuring great relationships exist. I will use this article in arguing in favor of marriage classes. It shows that marriage counseling sessions have a positive effect on relationship of married couples and therefore marriage classes before marriage should be seriously given consideration to give marriages better chances of survival. Texas Tech. “Premarital Financial Information.” Texas Tech, 2008. Web. 15 Feb. 2013. According to this article, people intending to get married should seek premarital counseling. Not seeking premarital counseling increases the chances of marriage disputes especially those touching on financial issues. This article gives detailed information on financial preparedness before one steps into marriage. There are different financial topics covered. It is shown that counseling people intending to get married on issues reduces the chances of them getting involved in marriage disputes. It therefore shows that forming happier marriage requires premarital counseling. I will use the resource in my paper in showing how finances is a hot button issue in marriage and why there is a need for people to seek counseling in regard to finances before getting married. Torin, Sanders. “Premarital Counseling: An Assessment of the Readiness of Social Workers to Promote an Approach to Divorce Prevention.” Tulane University, 2009. Web. 15 Feb. 2013. This article notes that divorce and marital distress is a problem that has affected the US for a long time. It argues that premarital counseling can be used to lessen this challenge however usage of premarital counseling is noted to be very scanty. Useful information that I will readily use in my paper is presented. For instance, the data given on divorce rates can be used to show the urgency of ensuring that premarital counseling policy is instituted. Furthermore, the article also examines how the society is affected as a result of divorce and therefore it will be in the best interest of the society to ensure that premarital counseling sessions are given a top priority. Works Cited Carter, Alford. “Transition to Marriage: A Literature Review.” Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences Education 17.1 (1999): 1-24. Print. Hawthorne, Heather. “Marriage Information.” Chambers County – Texas, n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2013. National Marriage Coalition. “A Marriage Manifesto.” National Marriage Coalition, 2007. Web. 15 Feb. 2013. Peacock, Donna, and Radunovich Heidi. “So You are Getting Married in Florida!” University of Florida, 2004. Web. 15 Feb. 2013. Read More