Table of Contents
|LESSON 1. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
A. What is the purpose of this guidebook?
B. Why is a divorce orientation education class needed?
LESSON 2. CAN UNHAPPY MARRIAGES BECOME HAPPY AGAIN? HOW?
A. Can couples improve their own marriages without outside help? How?
B. Are there classes that can help couples have a healthy, happy marriage?
C. Can marriage counseling help? How can I choose a good counselor?
D. Do divorcing couples sometimes reconcile and get back together? When is reconciliation likely to be successful?
E. What if I’m willing to try to save my marriage but my spouse doesn’t seem willing?
LESSON 3. HOW COMMON IS DIVORCE AND WHAT ARE THE REASONS?
A. What percentage of marriages end in divorce? What factors are associated with a higher risk for divorce?
B. What are the most common reasons people give for their divorce?
C. Why is commitment so important to a successful marriage?
D. Are there clearly valid reasons for divorce? Are abuse, infidelity, or addictions valid reasons?
E. How do individuals decide to divorce or remain married?
LESSON 4. DOES DIVORCE HELP ADULTS BECOME HAPPIER?
A. Are people happier as a result of divorce?
B. Does conflict between spouses decrease as a result of divorce?
C. Do some who divorce later wish they had worked harder to try to save their marriage?
D. What are my chances for remarrying and having a happy marriage?
E. Is the idea of finding and marrying your “soul mate” a myth?
LESSON 5. WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF DIVORCE FOR CHILDREN?
A. Why are some children more affected by divorce than others?
B. What are the possible social, emotional, and physical health consequences of divorce?
C. What are the possible educational consequences of divorce?
D. What are the possible consequences of divorce for sexual behavior?
E. What are the possible consequences of divorce on children’s future adult romantic relationships? What are the odds of divorce for children of divorce?
LESSON 6. WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF DIVORCE FOR ADULTS?
A. Why do some adults thrive and others struggle after divorce?
B. What are the possible emotional and physical health consequences of divorce?
C. What are the possible consequences of divorce for social support?
D. What are the possible consequences of divorce for religious involvement?
E. What are the possible consequences of divorce for romantic relationships?
F. What are the possible consequences of divorce for your relationship with your ex-spouse?
LESSON 7: WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF DIVORCE?
A. What are the possible financial consequences of divorce for women and children?
B. What are the possible financial consequences of divorce for men?
C. What is the financial impact of divorce on communities and taxpayers?
LESSON 8. WHAT ARE THE LEGAL OPTIONS FOR DIVORCE? WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE DIVORCE PROCESS?
A. What should I expect going through the negotiated divorce process?
B. Does getting a divorce require a lawyer or can I get a divorce without the help of a lawyer?
C. What does it cost to get a divorce?
D. What is divorce mediation? And what are the financial consequences of choosing mediation services for a divorce?
E. What is collaborative law? How does it work in a divorce?
F. What if I don’t want the divorce? Can I challenge a divorce in court?