During the traditional wedding ceremony, the bridal couple promises each other lifelong devotion. Yet, about one out of four American (36) ends in divorce. Since 1940, the divorce rate has more than doubled, and experts (37) that, of all marriages that occurred in the 1970s,about 50% will end in divorce. The U.S. A. has one of the highest divorce rates in the world, perhaps even the highest. The fact that divorce is so (38) in the United States does not mean that Americans consider marriage a (39) ,unimportant relationship. Americans expect a great deal from marriage. They (40) physical, emotional, and intellectual compatibility. They want to be deeply loved and (41) . They prefer no marriage at all to a marriage without love and understanding. With typical American (42) ,they end one marriage in the hope that the next will be (43) . With no-fault divorce laws in many states, it is easier than ever to get a divorce. Some American women stay in unhappy marriages (44) . But most American women believe that, if necessary, they can make it alone without a husband. (45) . If a divorcing couple has children, the court must determine which parent the children will live with and who will provide for their support. In most cases, the children live with the mother. (46) .