Traumatic Divorce and Separation: The Impact of Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse in Custody and Divorce

by Lisa Fischel-Wolovick

This book attempts to focus on separating families, married or unmarried, impacted by domestic violence, trauma, and the related problems of mental illness and substance abuse. The problems of these families, during what I have called traumatic divorce and separation, are not readily identified by the legal system. These at-risk families challenge the legal system and mental health professionals. Their problems are not readily ameliorated as the legal system’s approach to such vulnerable families during litigation frequently fails to recognize the traumatic nature of their problems and is unable to protect them from the long-term impact of abuse.