True or False
Mothers are the primary residential parent after a divorce
True
42-45%
Each spouse works with their own attorney to reach an agreement together and avoid traditional court hearings
Collaborative
Infant (<1 year)
Irritable & clingy (especially around new people), frequent emotional outbursts, may regress and show signs of developmental delay.
Infant (<1 year)
Routine! Routine! Routine!
Provide extra comfort from both parties of divorce (if both involved in childcare)
In most cases, the mother will get physical custody of the child.
True
What percent of children are living in blended families?
16%
Spouses are cooperative and the process is quick. Typically newly married with few assets to sort.
Simple
Toddler (1-3 years)
Confused, fearful, tantrums/fussy, clingy, missed developmental milestone (due to confusion and fear).
Toddler (1-3 years)
Routine and quality time!
Children have a large say in which parent they want to live with.
False
how many times more likely are children of divorce/separation to live in poverty and/or engage in risky sexual behaviors?
1.5-2 times
Contested
Preschooler (4-5 years)
Scared and don’t want their parents to separate. Might think they are responsible. Preschoolers may: Keep their anger trapped inside, have unpleasant thoughts or ideas, have nightmares, have outbursts, feel sad or depressed.
Preschooler (4-5 years)
Provide concrete facts and specific details. Parents should model behavior and attitude (preschoolers will reflect behavior they see), age-appropriate books about the topic.
As age increases, divorce rates decrease.
False
Every ______ seconds there is a divorce in the United States.
36 seconds
This person acts as a neutral party and guides conversations so that spouses can reach mutual agreement.
Mediator/Mediation
School Age (6-12 years)
May try to ‘rescue’ the marriage. May suffer in school and social relationships (they turn to school to express their emotions and may act out). May become anxious, withdrawn, or depressed. Feel extreme loss or rejection towards them from the parents.
School Age (6-12 years)
Build up kids self-esteem and sense of security. Quality time - encourage child to share feelings. Encourage child to participate in different activities. Maintain regular visitation schedules.
Facebook is the #1 source of online divorce evidence.
True.
How much does a divorce cost in the state of WA? (Range)
$500-20,000
One spouse must prove that the other is responsible for the dissolution of the marriage.
Fault
Adolescent (13-18 years)
Blame themselves. Self-esteem may drop. May question their own future ability to have a long-term relationship. Anger towards parents. May become depressed, withdrawn, or anxious.
Adolescent (13-18 years)
Quality time. Encourage activities. Depending on family situation, may let older adolescent determine their visitation. Counseling! (also great for all ages)