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Second Chances: A Chance to Reduce Unnecessary Divorce in Oklahoma

Explore the impact of divorce in Oklahoma and the potential for reducing divorce rates through reconciliation options and education. Learn about the benefits of preserving family stability and the long-lasting effects on children.

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Second Chances: A Chance to Reduce Unnecessary Divorce in Oklahoma

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  1. Second Chances: A Chance to Reduce Unnecessary Divorce in Oklahoma Mike Jestes October 17,2011

  2. Questions we as leaders need to ask ourselves about divorce in Oklahoma; • Why should Oklahomans care about divorce rates? • How is divorce contributing to the fragmentation of the family in Oklahoma? • Is there anything that can be done about the divorce rate in Oklahoma?

  3. Why care about divorce – it’s a personal choice! Social & economical struggles of young families to enter & be sustained in the middle class, & to raise their children with bright futures, are made all the harder by family instability. Social science evidence affirms marriage is not merely a private arrangement between two persons but it is a core social institution that helps ensure economic, social & emotional welfare of children, women & men.

  4. Premises that are fact according to a recent study; Significant minority of persons & couples on the brink of divorce – actively desire a chance for reconciliation. Many of today’s divorces are unnecessary & that as many as 40% of couples headed for divorce may be preventable. A modest reduction in the divorce rate could benefit at least 4000,000 children in America.

  5. Chart 4: State Waiting Periods and Divorce Rates, 2008 States w/waiting period Waiting period Number of divorces per 1,000 married women • New York Six months 14.4 • PA. 90 days if mutual; up to 2 yrs. 15.3 • Illinois 6 months it mutual; 2yrs. 18.0 • So.Carolina 1 yr 18.3 • Maryland 1 yr. - 2 years if contested 19.5 

  6. States with no or little waiting periodIdaho No waiting period ` 20.8Del. No waiting period 22.0Georgia Thirty days 22.0Indiana No waiting period 22.2Maine No waiting period 22.5Nevada No waiting period 23.3Ala. Thirty days 25.1Alaska No waiting period 25.3Wyo. Twenty days 27.2Okla. No waiting period 27.1

  7. Divorce Facts; • Each year in our nation, about 1 million children experience their parents’ divorce. • Divorce & unwed child bearing costs taxpayers at least 112 billion annually – financially costly to both parents & public • Harm to children is usually significant & long lasting

  8. How divorce affects children; • Fathers & mothers are less likely to have high-quality relationships with their children. • Children of divorce are more likely to be poor. • Children of divorce less likely to finish high school, complete college, or attain high-status jobs. • Infant mortality rate is higher among children whose parents do not get or stay married. • Teens from divorced families more likely to use drugs, get in trouble with the law or experience teen pregnancy. • Children of divorce and living with parents that are not married have higher incidence of physical & sexual abuse.

  9. What can we do as responsible citizens to help lessen divorce in Oklahoma? • Pre-filing for divorce parents • Combine parent education with a module on the option of martial reconciliation. • Waiting periods of 1 year while providing voluntary early notification letter that spouses can use to let their spouse know their intentions without necessary filing fro divorce. • Offer reconciliation classes. • New studies indicate the “discernment therapy” – helping couples to consider & explore the reconciliation option if they wish to.

  10. What can we do as responsible citizens to help lessen divorce in Oklahoma? • Slow down the divorce process thus giving couples a chance to consider & explore the reconciliation option if they wish to. • Allow couples the chance to be better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. • Develop a state-level center of excellence that would develop the capacity of professionals & communities to help couples on the brink of divorce.

  11. Let’s Go From Here Determined to REDUCE Divorce Rates in Oklahoma! Let’s Lead the Way! Have a Great Day!

  12. Believe Plant trees where though you may never sit under their shade.

  13. Dream Dream dreams bigger than humanly possible. Concentrate on the possible and let God take care of the impossible.

  14. Go! Lead the Way! Have a Great Day!

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