How Does Divorce Affect the Family Structure?

Divorce is the legal act of terminating a marriage. A spouse wishing to divorce his partner must do so in a court of law. Some divorces are amicable and do not take long to resolve. Contested divorces, on the other hand, can take months to resolve.

Reasons for Divorce

Couples cite many reasons for wanting to divorce each other. Some of the most common reasons include infidelity, emotional or physical abuse and falling out of love. Most states allow couples to enter a no-fault divorce without a waiting period. The no-fault divorce claims that neither partner is responsible for the break-up.

Effects

Divorce has many effects on the family structure, particularly when children are involved. When parents divorce, the partners live in separate households and one parent gets primary custody. Stepparents often marry the divorced spouses, which further changes the family structure.

Prevention

Marriage experts cite many ways to keep a marriage strong and prevent divorce. According to Michael McManus, author of "Insuring Marriage: 25 Proven Ways to Prevent Divorce," married couples should communicate often, be affectionate toward each other and respect each other.

References

• University of New Hampshire: The Effects of Divorce on Children
• "Insuring Marriage: 25 Proven Ways to Prevent Divorce"; Michael J McManus; 1996

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish