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Survey on the consequences of separation/divorce for fathers

| Shared custody, parental responsibility, parental, alienation, shared custody department, studies department, society, child contact, separation/divorce, maintenance law

Pro Familia and VeV Switzerland conducted a survey among fathers' organizations.
Approximately 500 fathers with children under 25 responded.

Two-thirds of the responses came from German-speaking Switzerland and one-third from French- and Italian-speaking Switzerland. 55% of the responding fathers were divorced, 45% separated. The consequences for fathers are far-reaching. They are social, psychological, and financial in nature.

The most important findings of the survey are as follows:

  1. Separation and divorce negatively impact the social relationships of separated or divorced fathers with their children (83%). We consider this a very high number. The overwhelming majority report a deterioration in these relationships (85%).
  2. For the vast majority of divorced or separated fathers (74%), a relationship with their children is not desired. This lack of contact is felt more strongly when the child is still young.
  3. Court-approved agreements, which usually require the payment of a lawyer, resolve most cases only when the child is still young. The older the child is, the less frequently these agreements are honored.
  4. Separations and divorces have a negative impact on the psychological and financial well-being of the vast majority of fathers. All areas (psychological and financial, as well as the relationship with the children) are affected.
  5. A good relationship with their children and financial aspects are the elements that separated or divorced fathers (49%) miss the most compared to their previous situation.
  6. Opinions on the compatibility of work and family life are divided. Approximately half of those surveyed believe that this compatibility has been negatively impacted, while the other half do not. The factors most frequently cited as hindering this compatibility are: the relationship with an ex-partner and financial matters.
  7. The vast majority of children spend more time with their mother (72%). Only 19% of parents divide this time equally.
  8. Ultimately, the pain and difficulties that fathers experience only diminish slightly over time. (Based on a survey by Pro Familia Switzerland and VeV Switzerland)