Unit 17: Separation & Divorce

These flashcards cover key concepts related to separation and divorce, including definitions, changes in divorce laws, reasons for divorce, and effects on children.

Desertion

One spouse leaves the marriage and family.

Separation

When a married couple decides not to live together, which may be formal or informal.

Annulment

A declaration that a marriage is invalid, which can be religious or civil.

Divorce

The legal dissolution of a valid marriage.

Fault system

A divorce system before the 1970s involving a plaintiff and defendant where one could sue the other for faults like adultery.

No-fault system

A divorce system after the 1970s where neither party is guilty; the marriage is considered unworkable due to reasons like irreconcilable differences.

Irreconcilable differences

Reasons used in no-fault divorces indicating that the marriage has become unworkable.

Societal factors

Individualistic values that contribute to why couples get divorced.

Emotional station of divorce

The phase characterized by loss of affection, trust, and respect.

Legal station of divorce

The court-ordered termination of marriage.

Economic station of divorce

Decisions regarding settlement or property division in a divorce.

Co-parental station of divorce

Decisions about child custody, support, and visitations.

Community station of divorce

The phase of leaving shared family and friendship communities.

Psychic station of divorce

The emotional phase of mourning, feeling separated from the partner.

Sole custody

Custody arrangement where the child lives with one parent and has visitation rights with the other.

Joint custody

Custody arrangement where both parents share custody responsibilities.

Split custody

Custody arrangement where children are divided between the parents.

Third-party custody

Custody awarded to someone other than the parents.

Effects of Divorce on Children

Research indicates mixed outcomes; negative effects include guilt and depression, while positive outcomes include well-adjustment over time.

A Good Divorce

Highlights the importance of how parents divorce, affecting the outcomes for children.