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March 1, 2010

In early 2009, South Carolina's first lady Jenny Sanford was shaken when she found out that her husband Mark Sanford was having an affair. During the summer of that year, a national scandal erupted when the governor left the state to secretly visit his mistress in Argentina.

Subsequent reconciliation attempts with his wife have proven unsuccessful, and late last week a judge in Charleston granted Jenny Sanford's request for a divorce after 20 years of marriage, according to media reports.

The details of the settlement have been temporarily sealed at Mrs. Sanford's request due to her desire to protect the privacy of her children.

In fact, the future of the couple's four sons is paramount in her mind, and she told reporters that "Mark and I will continue to work amicably to raise our children to be young men of character," quoted by News2 WCBD-TV in Charleston.

According to a study from the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, cited by DivorceRate.org, approximately 50 percent of first marriages, 67 percent of second and 74 percent of third marriages in the U.S. end in divorce.

There are many reasons why married couples seek to split, including infidelity, financial problems, domestic violence or differences of character. Those facing the prospect of a marriage breakup are encouraged to consult the many public or religious-based organizations in their state that aim to help couples learn divorce prevention skills.

Meanwhile, people dealing with the aftermath of a divorce may consult The Divorce Center, which offers educational resources and access to support groups that may help survivors live thriving lives once again.

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