Separation and Divorce; Counseling

The counseling is intended to help families build a partnership-based relationship, resolve family conflicts, and create conditions that allow parents to fulfill their parental responsibilities in a way that promotes the well-being of the child or adolescent.

In cases of separation and divorce, the counseling focuses on ensuring that the parents do not lose sight of the needs of the children affected by the parental separation and divorce. Parents should be supported and empowered to exercise responsible parenting despite separation and divorce. The child or adolescent involved must be appropriately included in the development of a mutually agreed-upon plan for the exercise of parental care.

Separation and divorce are crises for you and your children. Divorce ends your relationship as a couple and
spouses. However, it does not end your parental responsibilities. The most important support you can give your children
is to remain available as a mother and father and to work together as parents to
play a significant role in your child’s life. We offer the following support:

• Counseling on issues related to relationships, separation, and divorce
• Counseling for parents to develop an amicable parenting plan
• Counseling on developing and implementing a visitation arrangement
• Referrals to the youth and family counseling services offered by the City Youth Welfare Office
• Mediation
• Participation in family court proceedings

 The counseling services are intended for all mothers and fathers who are responsible for, or are actually caring for, a child or adolescent.

If you need counseling, contact a marriage and family counseling center, a parenting counseling center, or the relevant district administrative authority.

Fathers and mothers can receive counseling free of charge.