Divorce Handbook-Tool for Decision Making

Couples contemplating divorce often expend a great deal of time and money learning about legal, financial, and psychological ramifications of ending their marriage. Although no publication can substitute for counseling with trained professionals, a 32- page Extension publication, Handbook for Divorcing Families, has been an effective decision-making tool for couples involved in this painful process.

The handbook was developed and written by a committee of attorneys, psychologists, and information specialists under the leadership of the Extension Service in Geauga County, Ohio. The committee interviewed potential clients to assess their needs and then designed a publication to address them. Working in teams, committee members wrote the following chapters: "Ending a Marriage: A Legal Matter," has information on hiring a lawyer, divorce or dissolution, child custody, visitation and support, and domestic violence; "Divorce: A Family Affair," discusses coping skills for parents and children; and "You and Your Money: At Divorce and Beyond," outlines financial decisions that need to be made. The last chapter is devoted to county resources and a bibliography of books and tapes to complement the handbook.

More than $1,500 in grants were obtained from the County Bar Association and Foundation, and the Community Board of Mental Health, Alcohol & Drug Addiction to support the publication. In a year and a half, more than 4,800 handbooks were distributed at 50 sites, including the domestic relations and juvenile courts, attorneys and mental health counselors, libraries, businesses, and social service agencies.

A written evaluation of the 50 individuals and organizations distributing the handbook indicated it was used in a variety of ways. Seventy-two percent distributed the handbooks to the public, 52% used it as a reference to help divorcing families find services, 24% used it to help couples make the decision of whether to divorce 20% used it as a mental health counseling tool, and 16% as a legal counseling tool.

Thirty-eight percent of the distributors reported an observable behavior change or action in their clients as a result of the handbook. One mental health professional wrote, "Many of the women I see are very insecure. Many have called to thank me for the booklet and said it has helped them to make the decisions they need to make, as well as helping them understand their own and their children's emotions." A counselor said, "In all cases, I stressed to the parents to read the section on 'Concerns About Children.' In many cases, I'd review or highlight this area in the handbook with them." An attorney wrote, "I think this is a good overview of the very difficult procedure of divorce. It saves me time and my client money if they review this booklet first and then ask questions."

The handbook was well-accepted by most of the community. Those distributing it regularly ordered add-itional copies and it was updated and reprinted in 1992.

Extension was criticized by some people who, before reading the publication, charged it "promoted divorce." Subsequent newsletters, news releases, and fliers stressed the publication was to help people to "cope with, adjust to, and resolve the many issues involved in divorce." The court system, which at first was reluctant to endorse the project, become extremely supportive after they examined the finished product. The courts became a distribution point and Extension gained recognition among the judges for heading the project.

The divorce handbook addressed an emotionally charged topic and created the potential for criticism. In spite of the risk, Extension recognized and served clients who otherwise might not have gotten critical information they needed during a crisis in their lives.