Divorce How can divorce affect a family?

Divorce Divorce – a legal way to end a marriage in which a judge or court decides the terms with respect to property, child custody and spousal support. Divorce – a legal way to end a marriage in which a judge or court decides the terms with respect to property, child custody and spousal support. –Spousal support or alimony usually goes to the spouse who makes less money –There are a lot of different factors that go into spousal support. –Child support must be paid until the child reaches 18 years of age.

What to know about divorce Marital Conflict Resolution – a process in which marital partners identify their problems, agree on a solution and reestablish their intimacy Marital Conflict Resolution – a process in which marital partners identify their problems, agree on a solution and reestablish their intimacy Outside Intervention (Couples Therapy) – When a couple is unable to resolve their problems on their own, may get help resolving their problems by going to a counselor or therapist. Outside Intervention (Couples Therapy) – When a couple is unable to resolve their problems on their own, may get help resolving their problems by going to a counselor or therapist.

What Happens Next? If problems continue… If problems continue… –The married couple may separate Marital Separation – a cessation of cohabitation between a married couple by mutual agreement or judicial decree Marital Separation – a cessation of cohabitation between a married couple by mutual agreement or judicial decree If the problems continue… If the problems continue… –The married couple may divorce –There are 6 stages of divorce

6 Stages of Divorce 43% of all 1 st marriages end in divorce… 43% of all 1 st marriages end in divorce… Stage 1 Stage 1 –The marriage deteriorates. This stage can last several years Couples may try working problems out or going through couples therapy Couples may try working problems out or going through couples therapy

6 Stages of Divorce Stage 2 Stage 2 –One or both partners seek legal counsel to end the marriage Annulment – a legal way to end a marriage when it’s decided that the marriage was not legally binding. Annulment – a legal way to end a marriage when it’s decided that the marriage was not legally binding. Dissolution – a legal way to end a marriage in which the marriage partners themselves decide the terms with respect to property, custody and support Dissolution – a legal way to end a marriage in which the marriage partners themselves decide the terms with respect to property, custody and support

6 Stages of Divorce Stage 3 Stage 3 –Issues regarding property and support are finalized Spousal Support – money paid to one partner by the other partner for living. The partner who pays spousal support is usually the partner who has the greater ability to earn money. Spousal Support – money paid to one partner by the other partner for living. The partner who pays spousal support is usually the partner who has the greater ability to earn money.

6 Stages of Divorce Stage 4 Stage 4 –Issues of child custody, visitation rights, and child support are negotiated, and the divorce is finalized Single Custody – one parent has legal custody of the child/children Single Custody – one parent has legal custody of the child/children Joint Custody – an arrangement in which both parents keep legal custody Joint Custody – an arrangement in which both parents keep legal custody –Visitation Rights: guidelines set for the visitation of children by the parent who does not have custody –Grandparents Rights: visitation rights awarded to grandparents after their son/daughter are divorced

6 Stages of Divorce Stage 5 Stage 5 –Each of the partners establishes a new identity with family, friends, and co-workers Stage 6 Stage 6 –Each of the partners makes emotional adjustments to the new lifestyle that results from being divorced. This stage of divorce affects both marriage partners and their children

The Effects of Divorce Have you been through a parental divorce? Have you been through a parental divorce? Do you know someone who’s parents got a divorce? Do you know someone who’s parents got a divorce? –How does the divorce affect the child or children?

Effects of Divorce Feeling a loss of control Feeling a loss of control Spending less time with parents Spending less time with parents Declining academic performance Declining academic performance Grieving Grieving Acting out with harmful behaviors Acting out with harmful behaviors Resenting parental dating Resenting parental dating Having difficulties in relationships Having difficulties in relationships Having symptoms of anxiety and stress Having symptoms of anxiety and stress

Divorce 5 Minute Check 1. What percent of first marriages end in marital separation or divorce? 2. What is the difference between a divorce and a dissolution? 3. Why is outside intervention necessary sometimes to help married couples solve their problems? 4. Why is it dangerous to try to use drugs or alcohol to help you dull the pain of a divorce? 5. Why might teens spend less time with their parents after a divorce?