Why should Oklahomans care about divorce rates?

How is divorce contributing to the fragmentation of the family in Oklahoma?

Is there anything that can be done about the divorce rate in Oklahoma?

Social & economical struggles of young families to enter & be sustained in the middle class, & to raise their children with bright futures, are made all the harder by family instability.

Social science evidence affirms marriage is not merely a private arrangement between two persons but it is a core social institution that helps ensure economic, social & emotional welfare of children, women & men.

Significant minority of persons & couples on the brink of divorce – actively desire a chance for reconciliation.

Many of today’s divorces are unnecessary & that as many as 40% of couples headed for divorce may be preventable.

A modest reduction in the divorce rate could benefit at least 4000,000 children in America.

 States w/waiting period  Waiting period Number of divorces per 1,000 married women

New York  Six months 14.4 PA. 90 days if mutual; up to 2 yrs. 15.3 Illinois 6 months it mutual; 2yrs. 18.0 So.Carolina 1 yr 18.3 Maryland 1 yr. - 2 years if contested 19.5

Each year in our nation, about 1 million children experience their parents’ divorce.

Divorce & unwed child bearing costs taxpayers at least 112 billion annually – financially costly to both parents & public

Harm to children is usually significant & long lasting

Fathers & mothers are less likely to have high-quality relationships with their children.

Children of divorce are more likely to be poor.

Children of divorce less likely to finish high school, complete college, or attain high-status jobs.

Infant mortality rate is higher among children whose parents do not get or stay married.

Teens from divorced families more likely to use drugs, get in trouble with the law or experience teen pregnancy.

Children of divorce and living with parents that are not married have higher incidence of physical & sexual abuse.

Pre-filing for divorce parents

Combine parent education with a module on the option of martial reconciliation.

Waiting periods of 1 year while providing voluntary early notification letter that spouses can use to let their spouse know their intentions without necessary filing fro divorce.

Offer reconciliation classes.

New studies indicate the “discernment therapy” – helping couples to consider & explore the reconciliation option if they wish to.

Slow down the divorce process thus giving couples a chance to consider & explore the reconciliation option if they wish to.

Allow couples the chance to be better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

Develop a state-level center of excellence that would develop the capacity of professionals & communities to help couples on the brink of divorce.

Have a Great Day!

Plant trees where though you may never sit under their shade.

Dream dreams bigger than humanly possible.

Concentrate on the possible and let God take care of the

impossible.

Have a Great Day!