DIVORCE Family Relations Class

DIVORCE TRENDS AMERICANS LIKE MARRIAGE: One of highest marriage rates in industrialized world. AMERICANS DON’T LIKE MARRIAGE: One of the highest divorce rates in world. AMERICANS LIKE MARRIAGE: One of the highest remarriage rates in the world (1/3 remarry within a year).

50% OF ALL MARRIAGES ARE LIKELY TO END IN DIVORCE By 1974 more marriages ended in divorce than by death.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM HERE? Discuss: 1. When people get married today they don’t need to make a commitment because it is so easy to get a divorce. 2. Social scientists are increasingly viewing divorce as one path in the “normal” family life cycle. 3. Is falling out of love an appropriate reason for wanting a divorce? What is? 4. Is divorce the problem or is it a solution to other problems? 5. Death is easier for children to accept than divorce.

GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE? Impotency at time of marriage Adultery committed after the marriage Desertion of a spouse for more than one year Failure to provide the common necessities of life Habitual drunkenness Conviction of a felony Mental or physical cruelty that causes bodily injury or great mental distress. Being legally separated by a court degree for more than three years in a row. Permanent or incurable insanity, established by competent medical testimony.

DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AFFECTING DIVORCE: High or low income? Woman has the higher or lower income? High or low education? Low More or less religion? Race? (white, African American or Hispanic) Younger or older at time of marriage? 1st or 2nd marriage? Parents married or divorced? Second Low Low WHO IS MORE LIKELY TO DIVORCE? Divorced Divorced Higher Less African American African American Younger Younger

PEOPLE WHO MARRY YOUNG ARE MORE LIKELY TO DIVORCE

CHILD SUPPORT 60% of divorces involve children. 90% of moms get custody. Why? Children rarely see divorce as the opportunity parent may see it but if abuse stops it is a relief.

What to do? What to do? Have a solution?

A WARRANTY SHOULD PROVIDE THE CONSUMER WITH: A product that is free from major defects A promise to repair any defects that become apparent Tools to facilitate repair before replacing Increased satisfaction with the product So………….

IDEAS FOR CREATING OUR OWN MARRIAGE WARRANTY Get premarital education & counseling 6 C's - Communication, commitment, conflict resolution, children, church and career Handle anger, like feeling of hunger, fatigue, happiness, etc. Make spouse your best friend Learn conflict management skills What couples argue about is not as important as how they argue

MARRIAGE WARRANTY (continued) When solving differences do not use: contempt, defensiveness, criticism, belligerence and stonewalling. They are toxic to a marriage. Make and renew commitments. Evaluate often and be willing to change. Frequently share appreciation. Eliminate negative or sarcastic comments. Try marriage education before marital therapy. Get professional help before divorce.