I agree with Andrew J. Cherlin that this is a time when families must pull together (“Married With Bankruptcy,” Op-Ed, May 29).

Clearly the recession makes the situation more difficult when couples want to get divorced and cannot afford to maintain two households. Parents of the divorced couple are often the light in a storm during a marital crisis. They provide love and support by putting out the welcome mat, opening their purse and spending more time babysitting.

Today seniors are feeling the economic pinch. Many have lost jobs, and their retirement accounts have been reduced 40 or 50 percent. They are having a harder time finding employment. Wanting to do more with less can be a strain for seniors who want to help heal their families. But for many parents, helping their adult children and grandchildren stabilize their lives is not a choice. It is a necessity.