<p>I am a lawyer and my business card says “attorney and counselor.” I would be so great if they each had a caring divorce lawyer - not just one grubbing for publicity and big bucks. A very experienced and compassionate divorce attorney could give each a lot of advice and refer them to others for services as needed.</p>
<p>Did anyone else cringe when Kate was saying that she WOULD have the kids for every holiday? What if Jon wants to do the common “every other holiday” deal? What if the judge orders every other Christmas with each parent?</p>
<p>Lots of people all over the world are supporting kids (even 8 or more kids) without a tv contract. If they couldn’t support the kids why even have them? It’s not like it was an accident. They planned all these kids without a means to support them.</p>
<p>Has anyone actually read Kate’s book? I want parenting advice from her like I do from Lynn Spears or Linda Hogan.</p>
<p>Kate is in a position now where she has grown VERY accustomed to a certain lifestyle and she is going to be fighting tooth and nail to avoid giving it up.</p>
<p>This is going to get WAY worse before it gets better, I’m afraid.</p>
<p>I see some more cross selling opportunities. The biggest one would be Nanny 911 or a show of its ilk.</p>
<p>Can you imagine what those nannies would say? I can see it now–Kate, you have to lighten up and let kids be kids. Kind of like Ms. Frizzle: “Take chances. Make mistakes. Get messy.” Show more affection. Jon, quit being a passenger in this family. Be part of the decision making process–make this family one headed by 2 parents, equally yoked.</p>
<p>Or Jon can go on The Bachelor…</p>
<p>I think that the show continues because Jon and Kate (especially Kate) doesn’t believe that time spent to shore of their marriage would have lasting positive results. Why give up the show for something that won’t happen anyway?</p>
<p>Agree with missypie that the parents would have been hard pressed to provide for this brood had the TV show not come along.</p>
<p>Can you imagine Supernanny with her proper british accent lacing into Jon & Kate how they have to put the kids first and be nice to each other. I had a good laugh just thinking about it!</p>
<p>I think that you’ve hit the nail on the head. This couple got together because the other partner brought something to the marriage that worked in the short term, but was disastrous in the long term.</p>
<p>Jon is laid back, likes someone to take responsibility and make all the decisions–he’ll go along for the ride. Kate wants someone who would let her make all the decisions and have her way. </p>
<p>As my sister wisely said years ago to me, it’s often those very characteristics that attracted you to your spouse in the beginning that are the basis of what you also don’t like about them. Jon thinks his wife is too controlling. Kate feels that she is doing all of this “by herself,” Jon being so detached.</p>
<p>Lots of people may have eight kids and support them, but having kids spread out is a completely different matter financially than having 6 of them together. With eight kids, you can use the same crib over and over again–with 6 at a time, you have to buy 6 cribs, etc.</p>
<p>I thought I read somewhere that Kate’s minister father’s congregation donated used cribs and clothing to the family after the six were born – but Kate would not use them because they did not match. She sold them and and used the proceeds (and donated funds) to buy new matching stuff.</p>
<p>post#641, “caring divorce attorney”, where do you find them ?</p>
<p>Seems like they should’ve tried caring family councilor first. Just my thought. Those kids seem to have caring and loving parents, now everybody lose.</p>
<p>There is substantial evidence that Kate either before or shortly after the 6 were born was carefully planning how to maximize their benefits from having the 6. All else follows from that.</p>
<p>I’m not sure why Jon hasn’t “stepped up” and taken responsibility. He had a job where afterwards he came home and helped Kate until the kids were in bed. I believe in fact, he did baths for all the kids most every night. Quit his job because she hammered on and on about how she needed him at home. Episode after episode we saw him putting together homework desks, playground equipment, garage organizing stuff, teaching kids to ride bikes, etc. etc. etc. Where did he not step up?</p>
<p>IMO - Jon quitting his job was the beginning of the end. He needs to work especially now that the kids are 5 and 8 years old. I think he just felt like he wasn’t contributing to the family beyond being a babysitter. He certainly wasn’t allowed to make any parental decisions - Kate took that away from him.</p>
<p>I wasn’t glued to the show - but I didn’t hear any conversation about counseling. They both need it.</p>
<p>BTW - in PA the court could careless about a spouses extra-curriculars. It won’t be an issue in the divorce or custody. If both agree it could be final 6 months after they “separate”, otherwise it will take two years.</p>
<p>As I’ve said before, I have never actually seen this show, so I am just speculating. But my impression was that she goes off on her own a lot doing these book tours and talk shows and whatnot and he stays home with the kids. If that is the case, I wouldn’t consider him not contributing and I can see why he would quit his job. If he ISN’T staying home with the kids when she is off doing her thing, who is?</p>
<p>I think that for many couples, infidelity is the unpardonable sin…they might go in for counseling on myriad other issues, but once a spouse has been unfaithful, it’s over. If Kate feels that way (and maybe Jon?) they wouldn’t see the need for counseling. Also, remember that Jon said he was excited…he may not be consumed with guilt and regret over his affair - he may have LOVED IT. If a husband loves being with another woman, what will counseling do?</p>
<p>the bachelor, i’m a celebritity, dancing with the stars…LOL…great suggestions…or maybe a co-host gig? </p>
<p>missypie - i agree…jmho, he certainly didn’t appear to act like he was consumed with guilt or remorse…</p>
<p>zoosermom - i agree too. the apparent lack of initiative would drive most wives crazy! </p>
<p>it will be interesting to see if she will date anyone who is a a take- charge kind of guy…maybe that would be a good change. any suggestions on a new guy come to mind? maybe a macgyver or indiana jones type ? ;)</p>
<p>LOL…we have taken a couple of family trips to Disneyworld and let me tell you, they are a microcosm of Jon and Kate’s marriage (only they’ve never ended with Husband running off with a Disney princess.) I love to plan trips. Through my research and planning, we are able to go to WDW at super-busy times and never wait more than 15 minutes for a ride. I do 100% of the planning. Husband does 0%. He refuses to open a book or look at a website. BUT, after about three days at WDW, constantly being told what to do and where to go by me, it gets on Husband’s nerves. Mind you, he has no plan or better idea, and if we go where he wants to go, we will wait in lines for hours and he knows it…so he is just in a bad mood. Solutions? Should I not plan, so we all wait in line forever? Should I FORCE Husband to plan part of the trip? [How does one force an adult to do anything?] Should we just never go to WDW?</p>
<p>Our issues just happen on vacation, but that is Jon & Kate’s marriage. She’s the planner and the doer, and he likes it that way, but being told what to do all the time is very irritating, yet he presents no other viable alternatives.</p>
<p>I may be opening myself up to a barrage here …and the next statement has zero to do with there being 8 kids in the equation…but…</p>
<p>Other than someone looking for the potential fame and celebrity that would come from marrying her, what man in his right mind would WANT to marry her?</p>