Staying parents
Over the past twenty years, society's attitude to divorce has fundamentally changed. Increasingly, the separation and divorce of parents is no longer seen as the end of the family, but as a process of profound change and redesign. Parents separate as a couple, but not from their child and remain in their responsibilities as father and mother. It is becoming increasingly important in the self-image of parents to be able to continue to actively assume their role as parents even after the separation.
It is particularly important for the development of children to be able to maintain a good relationship with both parents. The new Liechtenstein law on children has taken this development into account. On 1 January 2015, joint custody was introduced as a rule after separation and divorce. The law aims to hold parents accountable and to regulate their child's interests collectively and by mutual agreement with regard to their child's well-being.
The Office of Social Services developed a guideline in cooperation with the Working Group on Custody (Parents Child Forum, Women's Shelter, infra, Ombudsman's Office for Children and Adolescents, Association for Men's Issues, Association for Mediation). This gives parents and interested parties an insight into the legal basis for custody.
- "The most important facts in a nutshell" can be found in the last section of the first chapter (page 15)
- This is followed by basic information on child support and a description of mediation as a proven method of conflict resolution in the event of separation and divorce.
- It then discusses the challenges and needs of children and parents in separation and divorce and describes the possible reactions of children to the separation of their parents.
- The guide also includes counselling services and useful literature tips for children and adults.
- In the appendix you will find a checklist that can help you with an agreement.