Providing for Spouse and Children due to Separation and/or Impending Dissolution of Marriage

Requirement for Employees to Provide Adequately for Spouse and Children due to Separation and/or Impending Dissolution of Marriage

Marital separations and divorce are difficult, emotionally trying times for Foreign Service officers and their families. The stress and logistical difficulties are exacerbated when marital difficulties occur while an employee is posted abroad.  Some spouses (and children) depart post on Advance Travel Orders, when there is an impending dissolution of the marriage, without the basic requirements to set up a home and sustain themselves. As a result, these families are put in the position of having to seek help from relatives and friends and, in some cases, from public assistance. However, the failure to adequately arrange for a spouse or children's transition from post can reflect adversely upon the U.S. government. Moreover, the Chief of Mission and the Department of State have a legitimate concern in the welfare of family members accompanying employees to post.

Employees and spouses are advised at post to seek counseling when there are serious stresses at home. The Family Liaison Office's The Foreign Service Family and Divorce addresses topics related to separation and divorce, including Advance Travel.

FLO's Crisis Management and Support Officer, and the Employee Consultation Service can provide information, resources and support. Human Resources/Employee Relations has a contract with Information Quest for free resource and referral service. The hope is that the family will be able to resolve their issues. If this is not possible, the decision may be made for the spouse/family to leave post and return home. In this case employees are reminded they have a responsibility to facilitate the return of their spouse (and children) to the United States or other location the family may choose. The employee is encouraged to reach a settlement with respect to disposition of HHE effects before the spouse or children or the employee depart. The employee is also encouraged to reach a settlement with his or her spouse in order to ensure adequate financial resources for the spouse and family to establish themselves back in the United States or other location.

If arrangements are not made prior to a family's departure from post to ensure that the spouse and children have adequate financial resources and HHE to furnish a home, at least until the family is financially stable and/or a final property settlement is made, then employees in some circumstances may be subject to curtailment in order to make such arrangements. According to 3 FAM 2443, the Chief of Mission may curtail an employee's tour of duty if it is in the best interest of post, employee or the employee's dependents. Employees may also request a curtailment if their marital and family dissolution can best be handled in that manner. Curtailment is a management decision and its potential impact is considered carefully.

Released July 2007

Information provided by the Family Liaison Office
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