Family Crisis

Change….. You can always count on change! Is a fact of life. Life is change. Some changes are expected Some catch you off guard Some bring gain or loss Others joy or frustration You can always count on change!

Family Crisis Bring Change: Moving Financial Problems Loss of job Overspending Unexpected expenses Natural Disasters floods, tornadoes, fires, hurricanes

Divorce in the Family Is a legal action to end a marriage. It not only affects the couple, it affects the whole family. In divorce the couple may be come opponents with each other over the issues or may settle on a no-fault divorce and work together peacefully. Child custody issues Financial support of the child Visitation rights

Custody Arrangements Sole custody – one parent retains all legal parenting rights and responsibilities. The other is granted visitation rights. Split custody – each parent has sole custody of one or more of the children. Arrangement is hard on siblings who want to live together. Third party custody – someone else is given custody of the children, or they are placed in a foster home

Custody Arrangements Alternating Custody – children live with one parent for a long period of time and then with the other parent. Joint Custody – parents share equally in decisions about the children. Children live mostly with one parent or split their time equally between the two parents.

Child Support The custody agreement determines who pays child support and the amount to be paid. Child support is usually paid by the non-custodial parent. The parent is required to pay child support until the child is 18, or has graduated from high school. Court can garnish your wages for child support

How Children View Divorce Imagine that it is their fault. Many hope their parents will reconcile If home was abusive, their relief is mixed with sorrow If parents can communicate, children feel they have two loving homes, not come from a broken home.

Children need to have stability in their life after the divorce. Living in same house Going to the same school Keeping the same friends Being able to have a stable, loving relationship with both parents If parents agree, children do not feel they have to choose between their parents –no torn loyalty.