NCJ Number
107501
Date Published
1987
Length
42 pages
Annotation
This chapter provides a review of domestic and juvenile law, practices, trends, and issues relevant to mediators dealing with marriage, divorce, custody, and domestic violence.
Abstract
The role of the clinician's input in domestic court is examined, and guidelines for psychological services in the courtroom are provided. Major principles of domestic jurisprudence are explained, including those related to jurisdiction, procedures, and disposition. Also examined are major themes of parens patriae, the contractual nature of marriage, competency, responsibility, and the best interests of the child. Concepts regarding the natural relationships and obligations between parents and their children are considered in terms of individual and family rights, marital and family privacy, privileged communication within the family, and marital dissolution. Additional topics highlighted are mediation, arbitration, and conciliation approaches to divorce negotiation and conflict resolution; ethical issues in nonlegal divorce interventions; standards for custody determination; and the effects of divorce and parental remarriage on children. The clinician's role in spouse abuse and physical and sexual child abuse also is discussed. 159 references.