| Summary: | Separation and divorce have become normative life events for many families
throughout the world. According to the most recent statistics, during 1998, a total
of 35 792 divorces were granted in South Africa alone, resulting in 45 123
children being affected by the divorce of their parents (Statistics South Africa -
Statistical Release PO 307). Children who best survive their parents divorce are
those maintaining significant and positive relationships with both parents.
Children whose parents share parenting also cope better with the consequences
of divorce. This study therefore attempted to provide insight into the personal
experiences of divorced parents in relation to sharing of parenting after divorce.
In this qualitative study, the researcher used the snowballing technique of
sampling. A total of 16 divorced parents, including eight mothers and eight
fathers, were included in the sample. The sample comprised of custodial, noncustodial
and joint custodial parents who had been divorced for a period of at
least two years. The interview schedules were personally administered and
manually analyzed by the researcher.
From the main findings, it was ascertained that respondents experienced
tremendous difficulties in coping with the aftermath of divorce more especially in
the realm of co-parenting. The main challenges they have had to face were
problems relating to access to children, conflict in post-divorce relationships,
stress related to the remarriage of ex-spouses, lack of sharing of parental
responsibilities, communication problems and lack of therapeutic support.
In order to promote effective post-divorce parenting, the researcher made
recommendations with regard to the provision of educational programmes and
therapeutic services for parents, children and other interested parties affected by
the divorce. Recommendations, pertaining to divorce, are also made in respect
of the justice system in South Africa. === Thesis (LL.M.)-University of Durban-Westville, 2002.
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