Won't somebody please think of the children!?

That's from The Simpsons, in case you don't recognize Helen Lovejoy's ubiquitous line.

The economic downturn is having an interesting effect on the nation's married couples, particularly because of falling real estate prices.

From the New York Times -

"In a normal economy, couples typically build equity in their homes, then divide that equity in a divorce, either after selling the house or with one partner buying out the other’s share. But after the recent boom-and-bust cycle, more couples own houses that neither spouse can afford to maintain, and that they cannot sell for what they owe. For couples already under stress, the family home has become a toxic asset."

The article contains a reference to one of my old favorites-

"'There’s an old joke,' said Randall M. Kessler, Ms. Needle’s lawyer. 'Why is a divorce so expensive? Because it’s worth it. Now it better really be worth it.'"