Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Pet peeve

Because I haven't complained enough lately...

Let me just tell you one little annoying pet peeve.  As part of my job I am often writing legal documents that must identify the children involved.  Our standard language is something like...

There were X children born or adopted of the marriage, namely...

Simple, to the point.  Right?  But here is where I get pissy (at least internally).  Almost every single one of my clients who does NOT have adopted children requests that I remove the "or adopted" from the document.  Absolutely none of the adoptive parents has requested that I remove the "born or" from the document.  The non adoptive parents usually say something like "well why would I put something in there that isn't true?"

Hey Dude (or Dudette) I am not making any kind of comment on how your children came into your family!  I am covering all the bases.  Why is it so offensive to have the "or adopted" in your document?  If it doesn't apply then it doesn't apply. 

I know this is my own personal issue but I really feel like people are unknowningly and untentionally saying my family is second class.  "Why would I say my family is adopted if they weren't?"  Why does it matter?  Family is family.  Period.

Pissy.
Mean Mama

2 comments:

  1. I'll remember the next time I get a divorce, I'll make sure to ask you to take out the 'by birth' part. Cause it offends me.

    What about if it is a dog?

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  2. Oh now don't be a smart ass. A dog may emotionally be a part of your family but technically it is property. Do not set up a custody schedule for a dog (or a cat or a fish or a crab or a etc). I certainly get to see people at their worst in this job.

    ReplyDelete

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