Divorced men have greater difficulty in overcoming the emotional stress

The events following a separation de facto or divorce can be difficult and challenging. Couples and children do not only undergo the financial cost but also experience struggles in copping up with the emotional stress caused by such instances.

In post-divorce proceedings, males are found to encounter greater difficulty in overcoming the emotional stress especially when it comes to child custody. Considering the predominant outcome of Family Court battles wherein the mother usually wins the custody of the child, the father is found to be more prone to suffer from greater emotional distress.

According to research, fathers find it all too difficult to face losing effective contact with their children. In effect, they are more prone to suicide. In an Australian statistics, males aged 25 – 44 are most at risk of suicide linked to the experiences brought by the family law system. In New Zealand, males also show to be the most at risk for suicide as a result from the difficulty faced of losing child custody cases following family breakdown.

To reduce the risk of fathers committing suicide, the Australian Law now provides for a shared parental responsibility, wherein the mother and the father can spend a considerable amount of time with their children in altering manner. When rendering decisions, family courts now puts primary consideration with shared-parenting in which separated fathers can have the chance to retain a proper relationship with their children.

The only instance when this can be suspended is when family violence is involved. In an instant wherein the court can establish that the child is abused by the father, the court will render a decision upholding the presumption that it is in the best interest of the child. In case the mother wins the custody, it is possible that the father can no longer have access to the child. The purpose is to protect the child from violence and further abuse.

Separation de facto and divorce are both hard to deal with. It is highly encouraged that families should try to live together and observe mutual love. However, when marriage must to an end, it is worth noting for parties to prepare both their financial and emotional aspects, especially when a child is involved.