Aftermath of Divorce

This monograph sets out to examine how to achieve change after families break down. In Hong Kong, there is a rapid rise in divorce rates and single- mother headed households. This exploratory study attempts to address the research question of why some of the compliant non-custodial fathers care about and financially support their children. Specifically, this study examines the circumstances and the motivations of these fathers who went through family mediation in their divorce process. This research study finds out a confluence of interrelated factors, one of which being the dynamics between flexible contact offered to non- custodial fathers and greater care and financial support. Greater compliance indeed seems to have taken place with child contact and financial support orders by non-custodial fathers when flexibility is allowed. Such dyanimcs have to be seen in the cultural context whereby some traditional beliefs towards the family and children are still prevalent. The analysis of post separation families in a Chinese context should shed some light on the ways to cope for those directly involved and those professionals who intend to help.