1. List the different types of families that are emerging in the new millennium.
2. What are the four ways to protect a cohabitation partner in the event one partner dies?
3. What are two of the reasons sociologists have given for the rise in the divorce rate?
4. What are some of the benefits married couples enjoy that cohabitating couples don't?
5. What is a guardianship agreement? Why are they used?
Critical Thinking Questions
1. Discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of divorce. Should the government make it harder or easier for people to divorce? Explain.
2. Why do you think preventing spousal and domestic abuse should be a concern of the government? Do you think it should? Back up your answers with evidence from the reading.
3. Do you think cohabitating couples should be entitled to the same legal benefits as those who have a marriage license? Why or why not?
4. Leona Helmsley left her millions to her nine-year-old dog. She was legally sane at the time-and ran her businesses and corporations until the day she died. Do you think she had the legal right to do what she wanted with her money, or was the judge in the case within his rights to change Leona's will? Why or why not?
5. Explain the importance of a will, a power of attorney document, and a guardianship agreement in the case of a cohabitating couple-parents of two children-who are killed in an auto accident.