Since the 1970s policy-makers and advocates for mothers, fathers, and children have attempted to remedy some of the inherent problems of divorce through public policy. This legislation has taken the form of mandated mediation, legal presumptions for particular custodial arrangements, child support orders, divorce education programs for parents, and parenting plans. Despite this movement, however, there has never been a comprehensive assessment of such policies or their effectiveness. This book provides that evaluation.

Two families, one solidly middle-class American and the other undocumented Mexican immigrants, face an uncertain future. No ones job is safe, and no paycheck is ever guaranteed. They both live in a maelstrom of uncertainty. The rule of law has yielded to the flux of opportunism. While the OConnell family struggles with an arrogant boss and adolescent upheavals, the Riveras cope with fear of the cartels and worries over deportation and teenage missteps. Despite initial misgivings and differences, the two families unite at least for a while, but how long will that while last?

Many of us go through life making choices that we think are 'our choices', but they are not. They are choices that we have been conditioned to make. So when we decide not to speak to someone, we think it is our choice. We do not realise that we have been influenced by someone else, by some toxic belief system that we hold, or by some toxic environment we grew up in. Empowerment Broken Families:How to get rid of toxic people and live a purposeful life is aimed at empowering you, not the toxic person that has a noose on your neck, to solve your problems and live your life in a purposeful way. This is very important because it takes a lot of financial, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energy to reach your goal, so you have to run with those people who nurture you, not drain you. What is the main message in the book? The main message in this book is that, in order to deal with toxic people, you have to change, not them, and live with no resentment. No matter how people have treated you in the past, if you live with resentment and pain, you are adding to the toxicity that you are trying to run away from. There are no justified resentments in life. You have to let go of resentments. If you carry around resentments inside you, about anything or about anyone, those resentments will end up harming you. They will create a sense of despair in you. Practical tools The book ends with practical tools that can help you to move from toxic relationships with family members and friends to a truly purposeful and successful life. From the back cover Toxic relationships are relationships with people that always criticise you and always finding fault. All they can do is exploit your weaknesses and remind you of the mistakes you made in the past. These people are bad for your health. Toxic relationships are more painful if they happen to be with family members. This amazing book explains why and how to deal with toxic family members and friends. Reviews "This book is a definite game changer" - Martin D. Cole, Motivational speaker "This book is essential reading for all coaches and inspirational leaders." - Professor John Muridzo, London South Bank University