[Expert opinion on the psychiatric status of children in divorce proceedings].

From 1969 to early 1979 the Psychiatric Policlinic for Children and Young Persons, University of Zurich, issued 41 judgements on the settlement of parental custody and access. The findings of the experts were compared with the court orders and the agreements and divergences recorded. Around 90% of the 68 subjects exhibited psychological disturbances. The children who were assessed during the divorce or separation process showed, on the whole, less serious disturbances than those examined during proceedings for change of an existing court order (access and custody). From the psychiatric viewpoint the wellbeing of the child in such cases necessarily outweighs the rights of the parental parties. In anticipation of the revision of divorce law it is proposed that the developing child be granted his/her own psychologically and educationally competent representative who would be committed to his/her interests and could, if necessary, request an alteration of the divorce order.