The real reason is that it makes it easier for courts to decide custody issues. Should the child go to a poor parent with no criminal record, or a rich parent

The real reason is that it makes it easier for courts to decide custody issues. Should the child go to a poor parent with no criminal record, or a rich parent with a criminal record? That’s also why courts don’t care too much that divorce usually causes a drop in the standard of living of both parents. It doesn’t make th decision any harder. As long as the drop in living standard results in equalized poverty, it’s not an issue. Which is pretty messed up, but that’s divorce. It can seem pretty crappy when you’re watching a court destroy your standard of living to feed your ex-wife’s drug habit. I’m happily married, and never divorced. But I’ve seen some things.