Challenges of Parenthood after Divorce in Albania

Abstract

After the divorce, in addition of changing the marital status, changes arise also in parenthood. Suddenly there are two houses with an adult responsible for the children. What are the challenges facing parents already divorced? Do the Albanian parents support each other during this process? Does the parenthood exist or society is not yet ready for this form of care? This research established on the basis of these questions is qualitative, where the data were collected through semi–structured interviews. They were transcribed and analyzed by thematic content. Interviewees were mothers and fathers of the Albanian capital, who had at least one child. They were interviewed a year after the announcement of the decision by the Court of Tirana for the dissolution of marriage. The data represent the experiences and opinions of interviewees who had similar but also different custody regime. From the search results that the main challenges faced by parents concerned with the lack of cooperation with the other parent, parental alienation, difficulty of maintaining the close relationship with the children, adapting to a new way of living, and hope of resident parent for a greater support in parenting by the non–resident parent. The study helps the divorced parents or those in the process of divorce, as well as professionals in the field.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n3s1p129