New York City Business Law Blog

When people get married, they may claim that it will last for life, but the truth is that such a thing often does not happen in modern America. It's wise to be aware of this, no matter how you feel about your relationship. Understanding that divorce does happen allows you to prepare for it.

The average length of a marriage in the United States is just around 8.2 years. This is interesting because of the cliche of the "seven-year-itch," which suggests that people start becoming unhappy with their marriages after about seven years. If you add in a bit of time to decide to get divorced and a bit more for the case itself, that seems to fall right in line with the average.

If you want to start a company, one basic choice that you need to make at the beginning is whether you want to start a brand new company or buy a franchise license. If you choose to buy a franchise, you get to operate with the branding and business model created by the parent company -- McDonald's, for example, or Pep Boys.

A franchise license does come with fees. The popular chains are the most expensive. You may end up paying tens of thousands of dollars per year. If that feels like it would hurt your bottom line, what are the advantages?

Co-parenting can be difficult for any former couple. However, for those with a special needs child, there can be some particularly unique challenges. A special needs child is going to need more structure and routine than a typical child would. You, as parents, have more than visitation times, vacation schedules and financial responsibilities to consider.

A special needs child requires a heightened level of care and attention than the average child. Your son or daughter may need around-the-clock supervision, no matter how old they are. You'll need to consider what resources you have, as well as any special scheduling needs that your child regularly has before crafting a custody schedule for them. It's not uncommon for one parent of a special needs child to retain sole physical custody of their son or daughter.

The life of a pro athlete is exciting and glamorous. But it's also very hard. Athletes have to be incredibly dedicated to their sports. You simply do not make it at that level if you're not willing to put in the work. Talent is not enough.

This means long hours at the gym or the practice facility. It means working on holidays. It may mean skipping important family events. It also means that, perhaps more so than in other professions, the athlete has to put the job first.