For a union that had so many celebrity gawkers betting on its demise from the onset, the Federline-Spears divorce has dragged on beyond many expectations. The latest update from Team Federline is that the hopeful rap star is hesitant to put ink to the papers lest Spears begin acting in a way that would be inappropriate or harmful to the couple's two small children. If Spears does begin another downward spiral, Federline is hoping that he can restrict her time with the kids without too many legal complications.

For those who have watched the Federline-Spears trainwreck, it is somewhat surprising to see Kevin step up and be the one who appears responsible and levelheaded. But there are children involved in this union and if he can be a good dad, then more power to him.

That final step of signing the papers is a weighty one. Regardless of what is at stake, that signature represents the end to what was. In the Federline-Spears case it seems the effort was doomed from the get go, but for many couples that end is letting go of hopes and dreams for a life that no longer exists.