ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Divorce law around the world

Child, do you know what divorce means? It means mommy and daddy are not going to live together anymore. But wait, there are some important rules that grown-ups follow when they get a divorce. These rules are called divorce laws, and they are different in different parts of the world.

You see, in some countries like the United States, the divorce laws may vary from state to state. This means that the rules for getting a divorce in Texas may be different from the rules in California. But all states in the US have some common things that they follow.

To get a divorce, mommy and daddy have to go to court and tell the judge why they want to separate. The judge will listen to both mommy and daddy and make sure they agree on some very important things. Do you know what these are?

First, the judge will make sure that both mommy and daddy agree on who will take care of you and your siblings. This is called child custody. The judge wants to make sure that you will be safe and happy even though your parents are not living together anymore.

Next, the judge will also make sure that mommy and daddy agree on how they will take care of you financially. This means that they will need to decide on things like who will pay for your food, clothes, toys, and school fees. This is called child support.

Finally, the judge will make sure that mommy and daddy agree on how they will share their money and property. This is called property division.

But, did you know that different countries around the world have different laws for divorce? In some countries, the husband can divorce his wife just by saying so, while in other countries they need to have a good reason to get a divorce. In some countries, both husband and wife need to agree on the divorce, while in others, only one of them needs to want it.

Also, in some countries, the laws are very strict and they may not allow divorce at all, while in other countries, they are more liberal and allow it easily.

So, you see, divorce laws around the world may be different but they all have one thing in common – they want mommy and daddy to agree on the most important things, especially about you and your siblings, so that you can be safe and happy.