Although it was not all that much of a surprise, it's still pretty tragic: Leah and Corey are on their way to a divorce. During last week's episode we saw them struggling to agree on important decisions and having trouble communicating. During last night's episode we learned that Leah cheated on Corey right before the wedding and that, not surprisingly, Corey is hurt by the news. Leah doesn't want to separate from Corey, but Corey can't get over the betrayal and tells Leah he wants a divorce. Leah has a difficult time telling people what she has done, but knows she has to share the news with her family and friends. I was reminded how young Leah really is when she breaks down in her mom's arms after admitting her mistake. Unlike most 19-year-olds, this isn't just her boyfriend she is fighting with, but her husband and the father of her children.

Although it is really disappointing to see this couple going through this, they are not unique. Teen marriages are twice as likely to fail as marriages in which the woman is at least 25 years old and only 30% of teen mothers who marry after their child is born remain in those marriages at the age of 40.

Once Leah finds out that Corey has hired a lawyer, she quickly shifts her attention from saving her marriage to making sure she gets custody of her daughters. Leah decides to hire her own lawyer and is actually the one to file for divorce because she's told that's what's best for her children. While it's understandable that Leah wants to protect her daughters and gain custody over them, it's important for her to realize how crucial it is for Corey to play a role in their daughters' lives. While there are many consequences from lack of an involved father, one example is that boys and girls without involved fathers are increased risk for early sexual activity and pregnancy themselves. Although Corey has always been active in the lives of his daughters, we hope that this does not change due to the divorce.

*****

Roxanne Martin is an intern for The National Campaign's Entertainment Media and Audience Strategy department. She recently graduated from George Washington University, where she studied human services and public health. Roxanne loves sports and traveling. She hopes to travel the world someday.