Hmong Traditions – Divorce

In a traditional Hmong society, divorce is rare. It is frowned upon and considered a disgrace to their family. However, it is allowed but not before a widespread effort has been made within the community to sort out any problems. If the husband and wife’s relationship cannot be resolved then the clan leaders will permit a divorce and the bride price (dowry) must be returned to the husband’s family. Divorce has been a major factor in the Hmong community; it has become more common for the Hmongs living in the United States. Many of the divorces that are filled are from the younger generation. When a divorce takes place the Hmong husband will get custody of all the male children regardless of the circumstances. This is because the male children belong to the father’s clan; they are the ones that carry on the clan name.