This book analyzes the issues surrounding divorce and its implications for public policy. The authors integrate research and policy perspectives of scholars to focus on the consequences of divorce for children, the parents′ responsiblities after divorce, nonresidential parenting, and the effects of a high divorce rate in society.

With about one half of all marriages ending in divorce today, it is safe to say that nearly everyone will be or has been affected by divorce in some way. For many, it does not mean the end to a family. Focusing on the consequences of divorce for children, The Postdivorce Family examines the stressors that divorce can create; adjustment problems among children of divorce; the issue of resilience for children; and individual differences in the psychological adjustment to divorce. The authors also examine the parents′ responsibilities after divorce, including custody issues, child support orders, and nonresidential parenting. This book concludes with a section that explores the effects of a high divorce rate in society, including how the prevalence of divorce has changed the family form and structural factors that have contributed to various social problems. With this volume, the authors hope to incite analysis and reflection of the issues surrounding divorce and their implications for public policy. This book integrates the empirical research and policy perspectives of several scholars in various disciplines including psychology, sociology, human development, law, and social work.

The Postdivorce Family - Ross A Thompson and Paul R Amato
An Introduction to the Issues
PART ONE: THE CONSEQUENCES OF DIVORCE FOR CHILDREN
Postdivorce Family Life for Children - Robert E Emery
An Overview of Research and Some Implications for Policy
Causes and Consequences of Divorce - Alan Booth
Reflections on Recent Research
PART TWO: PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY AFTER DIVORCE
The Custody of Children of Divorcing Families - Eleanor E Maccoby
Weighing the Alternatives
Improving the Law Relating to Postdivorce Arrangements for Children - Katharine T Bartlett
PART THREE: NONRESIDENTIAL PARENTING
Noncustodial Fathers and Their Impact on the Children of Divorce - Michael E Lamb
Compliance with Child Support Orders in Paternity and Divorce Cases - Daniel R Meyer
PART FOUR: DIVORCE AND SOCIETY
The Postdivorce Society - Paul R Amato
shaping the Family and Other Forms of Social Organization
Values, Policy and Research on Divorce - Ross A Thompson and Jennifer M Wyatt
Seeking Fairness for Children