Evaluation of family mediation and divorce counseling needs based on divorce experiences of couples: the case of ankara province

Family is a multi-faceted entity that encompasses many different aspects. Problems and conflicts that arise from the interactions of these systems, if not resolved properly, can lead couples to make the decision to divorce. Unresolved issues and conflicts can cause financial and emotional strain on the parties involved, as well as deteriorate communication, ultimately leading to a contentious divorce process. Therefore, it is believed that couples going through a divorce could benefit from divorce counseling and/or family mediation services. In this research, the experiences, needs, and problems of couples in the process of divorce where the marital union has been fundamentally shaken were identified, and the need for family mediation and/or divorce counseling practices was evaluated. The study utilized a qualitative research method based on the phenomenological model. In the scope of the study, semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face with 11 female and 9 male participants who reside in Ankara and had requested the preparation of a Social Investigation Report to the Ankara Judicial Support and Victim Services Directorate. The data analysis process was conducted using the MAXQDA Analytics Pro 2024 program, and thematic analyses resulted in two main themes: "Marriage Process" and "Divorce Process." The findings of the research revealed that unresolved issues in the marital union not only persisted during the divorce process but also led to the emergence of new problems, negatively impacting both the parties involved and the children. It was observed that the parties could not find professional support in their marital relationships and divorce process, and they needed support from legal and psychosocial perspectives, but free services tailored to these needs were not provided, leading participants to express dissatisfaction with the limited services available. Considering the limited number of studies in this field, it is believed that the data obtained from the research will contribute to the literature, and the recommendations formulated with the aim of strengthening divorce services and social policies will be beneficial for the divorce process.