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‘Prenups For Lovers’

[APRIL 18, 2001]   ^“Prenups For Lovers: A Romantic Guide To Prenuptial Agreements." Arlene G. Dubin, Villard, 2001, 244 pages.

In her new book "Prenups For Lovers" Arlene Dubin explains why, after her 12-year marriage ended in divorce, she married a lifelong bachelor. One of the most important components of their new relationship was the prenuptial agreement: "The reason that our prenup catapulted our relationship into marriage is because it enabled us…to confront our worst fears…perhaps the greatest value of our prenup, though, was in its successful negotiation to completion. The process promoted honesty and openness and strengthened the bond between us."

The strength of the prenup and its effect on a marriage, according to Dubin, is that "you decrease your divorce odds in the first place…you establish a framework for problem solving that will form a solid and secure basis for a mature and thriving marriage."

Dubin defines a prenuptial agreement as a private agreement between two people contemplating marriage. This agreement specifies the arrangements for financial matters in the event of divorce or death and can include other "lifestyle" or nonfinancial subjects. Prenups can insulate partners from each other’s financial responsibilities such as student or business loans, credit card debt, or support obligations. It can make distinctions between premarital and postmarital property holdings and can protect property acquired by gift or inheritance. It can even specify monetary matters in the event of divorce (alimony, child support, etc.).

The book is divided into three sections:

•  In "Before I’d Say I Do, I’d Do A Prenup: Why To Do It," Dubin discusses the reasons prenups are a good idea for couples. She also exposes the many myths associated with the prenuptial agreement. One myth: the notion that prenups are bad for women. On the contrary, prenups can empower women to ensure that their contributions as a career wife or decisions regarding career sacrifice will not jeopardize their financial security.

She also describes the psychology of prenups so that couples can better articulate their expectations, preview their lifestyle, prepare each other for marriage and undergo a "litmus test" for potential problems in the future.

An interesting conclusion to this section examines case studies involving different relationship scenarios (young couples starting out, family businesses, gifts and inheritances, and mature couples in remarriages and mid-careers).

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•  In the next section, "What To Do Before You Say I Do: How To Do It," Dubin tackles the sensitive subject of how to broach the idea of a prenup to your companion. There is also a checklist of the topics that should be addressed in a written agreement. She even describes how to "bulletproof" your prenup (seek separate and independent counsels, engage in full and honest financial disclosure, and do your homework before agreeing on a price for drawing up the agreement).

The remaining chapters in this section are among the most valuable in the book. Dubin includes a complete "sample" prenuptial agreement so that couples can understand the implications of this document. The "frequently asked questions" chapter covers many of the issues associated with this kind of legal agreement.

•  In the book’s final section, "Do It Your Way: Special Situations," the prenup is applied to groups with special circumstances. This chapter covers a broad range of situations for women in love, mature lovers, young lovers, parents of lovers and entrepreneurial lovers.

Dubin closes the book with a very clever chapter on the humorous side of prenups, to "consider the levity of prenups." Sharing these stories ends the book on a positive note and provides an avenue by which partners can begin an honest discussion about this sometimes uncomfortable subject.

"Prenups For Lovers" is a book that is certain to find an audience for those interested in learning more about the legal ramifications of entering into a prenuptial agreement. The table of contents makes it easy to answer specific questions, while the two appendices contain important state-by-state information on marital and cohabitation laws.

Illinois has marital laws regarding equitable distribution of dual and unitary property. The state has also adopted its own version of the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act. The laws pertaining to cohabitation in Illinois differ from other states; courts in Illinois do not recognize expressed or implied cohabitation agreements. The Illinois courts have also been reluctant to award equitable remedies or recognize cohabitation agreements; in fact, according to Dubin, Illinois state law prohibits cohabitation.

"Prenups For Lovers" is recommended to couples to "debunk the prenup myths and spread (the) message that prenups are for lovers…they can reduce the incidence of divorce and reduce bitter after effects if there is a divorce."

For more information, visit the library at 725 Pekin St. or call (217) 732-8878.

[Richard Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District]

Released on video Tuesday, March 6, 2001

Rated R     Approx 127 Minutes     DreamWorks Home Entertainment -2000

Written and directed by Rod Lurie

Starring:

Jeff Bridges

Christian Slater

Sam Elliot

Joan Allen

Gary Oldman (also the executive producer)

This movie uses graphic language to describe sexual scenes and presents some nudity.

[MARCH 10, 2001]  The box said “two thumbs up” and “Thriller!”

In recent years, the "two thumbs up" endorsement has meant that I probably was going to find the movie to be a loser. "Thriller" usually means I may endure it but I’m probably not going to be thrilled with it.

However, in the case of "The Contender," both my thumbs are up too, and I am indeed thrilled.

"The Contender" is a gritty movie, a political "action" film of sorts. It is a thriller because you don’t have a clear shot at the plot until it is finally revealed for you. At the end, you look back on the film and say, "Yeah, I should’ve seen that coming."

"The Contender" is gritty because it focuses on a dirty fight between political rivals to appoint a new vice president of the United States. The president (played very aptly by Jeff Bridges) selects a woman, Sen. Lane Hanson of Ohio (Joan Allen), for the job, against the advice of party officials and his own advisers. The previous vice president died somehow in office — but "The Contender" never tries to explain his passing.

The whole plot is wrapped up in the confirmation hearings and the process of bringing an appointee to office or sending ’em off packing.

Gary Oldman plays Sheldon Runyon, the Republican chairman of the selection committee. The highly respected, powerful senator seems bent on not only denying the president his day in the sun but also destroying the very career of Sen. Hanson.

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Two things about this movie made a good impression on me.

First, the acting was excellent. Oldman plays a perfect bad guy in this film (he seems to have the bad-guy act down pat). Jeff Bridges, who I thought incapable of playing a convincing president, stepped up to the plate and delivered. Christian Slater played the part of a freshman congressman who was seeking to do the right thing on principle, and was perfectly cast for the part. Finally, Joan Allen was wonderful in her portrayal of the contender under siege.

Second, the plot was dynamite. This movie seems to make you move away from certain characters and make certain assumptions, but you find yourself making a couple of 90 degree turns before it’s done. In the spirit of "The West Wing," it is full of political intrigue and the power of the Washington scene. "The Contender" is a film about respect and dignity and the rocky road to realizing those two values.

The first hour of the movie has a single weakness: The lack of actors on the set portraying political operatives, appointees, devotees and those holding office makes you believe the story less. They needed a fuller cast to make it seem like Washington and government.

This is not a partisan film about the usual struggle between Republicans and Democrats. Instead it is a story about the dynamics of power, accusation and truth.

So, I recommend this film to you if you enjoy a good thriller, if you enjoy stories about the political struggles of this nation and if you like a good fiction about how truth prevails.

I give it 3½ stars (out of five).

[midge]

midge@lincolndailynews.com

Second LCT scholarship offered

[APRIL 18, 2001]  A second Lincoln Community Theatre scholarship is being offered to Logan County students majoring in theatre arts at Lincoln College. This $500 scholarship is offered to returning sophomores at LC and is in addition to the scholarship previously announced for incoming LC freshmen who plan to major in theatre arts.

Applications for both scholarships are available at Logan County high school guidance offices or by contacting Connie DiLillo, LCT scholarship chairman, at (217) 732-7859. Completed applications must be postmarked no later than April 27.

[LCT news release]

LCT scholarship applications available

[MARCH 23, 2001]  To foster local talent, Lincoln Community Theatre will award a $500 theater arts scholarship to a Logan County graduating high school senior who plans to attend Lincoln College.

Scholarship applications are available from area high school guidance counselors or by contacting Connie DiLillo, LCT scholarship chairman at 732-7859. Completed applications must be postmarked no later than April 27.

[LCT news release]

LCT scholarship applications available

[MARCH 23, 2001]  To foster local talent, Lincoln Community Theatre will award a $500 theater arts scholarship to a Logan County graduating high school senior who plans to attend Lincoln College.

Scholarship applications are available from area high school guidance counselors or by contacting Connie DiLillo, LCT scholarship chairman at 732-7859. Completed applications must be postmarked no later than April 27.

[LCT news release]

LCT chooses summer production staff

[MARCH 12, 2001]  Lincoln Community Theatre has announced the 2001 summer production staff.

The first production, "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown," which runs from June 8 through 16, was selected in celebration of LCT’s 30th anniversary season. This musical was the first performance offered by Lincoln Community Theatre during the organization’s first season in 1971.

The 2001 production will be directed by Sean-Edward Hall of Springfield. Wayne Mara of Lincoln has been hired as technical director, with Jason Yarcho, also of Lincoln, as accompanist and orchestra director. Lights and sound will be managed by Stuart Wyneken of Lincoln.

The July 13 through 21 comedy, "Moon Over Buffalo," will be directed by Jerry Dellinger of Lincoln. He will also serve as lighting director. Technical director will be Max Levendel of Bloomington.

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LCT’s final production, "The Wiz," will be directed by Tracy Tiritilli of Bloomington, with husband Mark Tiritilli serving as technical director. The show will run Aug. 3 through 11. Yarcho will again serve as musical accompanist, and Wyneken will handle lighting and sound.

LCT also plans a children’s play this summer. Performances will be June 28 through July 1.

For more information see the LCT website, www.geocities.com/lincolncommunitytheatre. 

[LCT news release]

Lincoln Community Theatre’s (LCT) website is up and available. The site serves a number of functions, from providing information on becoming a season ticket holder to showing what new productions are being planned for next season. It lists everything one wants to know about LCT — except the scripts. The top of the page lists those already involved in the theatre and announces any paid or unpaid positions, which are still available. Audition dates are also listed for prospective actors.

The site also links to Gus Gordon Productions and Grand Ball Costumes. Gus Gordon produces plays all over central Illinois, and the site lists the upcoming plays. Grand Ball Costumes rents costumes here in central Illinois for plays, Halloween, weddings, birthdays or any other occasion.

A little farther down, the site offers information on upcoming plays, admission prices and season ticket prices. Presently, LCT’s website is displaying pictures of recent performances: "Annie" and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."

If you are interested in joining a performance or just going to see one, visit LCT’s website at www.geocities.com/lincolncommunitytheatre/index.html, e-mail LCT at lincolncommunitytheatre@yahoo.com, or write to Lincoln Community Theatre, P.O. Box 374, Lincoln, IL  62656.

[LDN]

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