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Divorce and child custody

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Divorce may influence well-being, with many individuals experiencing depression, loneliness and isolation, self-esteem difficulties, or other psychological distress. Parental divorce may also have negative effects on the psychosocial adjustment of children and adolescents.

Child custody refers to the care, protection, and supervision of a child. After divorce or separation, a court may grant custody to one or both parents following a child custody evaluation.

Adapted from the APA Dictionary of Psychology

Resources from APA

New guidelines for child custody evaluations

Updated guidelines emphasize new research that better supports the best interests of the child

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Treating challenging couples cases

Specially trained psychologists are using evidence-based practices to help heal relationship fractures in challenging couples cases.

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Navigating divorce after 50

The divorce rate for people later in life has doubled since 1990, presenting mental health challenges and opportunities for divorcees and their practitioners

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Talking through practicalities of divorce later in life

Mental health clinicians can help people think through the practical implications of divorce, such as impact on caregiving and medical decision-making plans

More resources about divorce

What APA is doing

Advocacy

Children, youth, and families

APA Services advocates for policies to prevent children’s exposure to violence and expand access to treatment and essential services for children who have experienced violence.

Offices

Children, youth, and families portfolio

The Children, Youth, and Families office aims to advance the creation, communication, and application of psychological knowledge on child development issues to benefit society and improve the lives of all children and their families.

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Divisions

Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice

APA’s Division 37 is committed to the application of psychological knowledge to advocacy, social justice, service delivery, and public policies affecting children, youth, and families in a diverse and inclusive society.

Divisions

Society for Couple and Family Psychology

APA’s Division 43 provides a home for psychologists interested in families in their many forms. Clinical, scientific, educational, and public policy perspectives are well represented in the wide range of divisional activities.