After divorce a family does not cease to exist; the marital relationship may have ended, but the family relationships continue, particularly if there are children involved. Emphasizing the divorce is a normative developmental process, this book looks at how the nuclear family reorganizes itself as “binuclear” from both sociological and psychological perspectives.

The Binuclear Family Study has identified four groups among divorced spouses—“perfect pals,” “cooperative colleagues,” angry associates,” and “fiery foes.” In presenting these types the authors point out factors that cause difficulties for divorcing families, as well as those that make divorce a functional, rather than dysfunctional, process. 

The perspective is a positive one—yes, there is turmoil, pain, and disruption for family members in the transitions of separation, divorce, and remarriage, but for most there is also personal growth, as well as the discovery of untapped strengths and enriched family relationships.