Divorce

Last Updated on Wednesday, 07 April 2010 12:56

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Divorce means big changes, and change can be difficult to go through. The important thing to remember is that chances are, if you are feeling down about it, the other members of your family probably are too. It’s a good idea to try to talk about it with them and see how everyone else is doing. If you have younger brothers and sisters, see how they are doing and if they understand what is going on.

What does this mean for me?

This is probably one of the first questions that goes through everyone’s mind when they find out their parents are splitting. Who will I live with? Who will pay for what? Do I get a say in what happens to me? Will I have to change schools if I end up moving?

These are just some of the many questions that will need to be answered in the near future. However the important things to think about are the people involved- all the other stuff will get worked out in time. How do you feel about it? Do you see it as a good thing or a bad thing? How are your parents and other brothers and sisters doing?

The divorce process can sometimes be complicated so we have a list of Q&A to help you get your head around some of the complications.

Is it my fault?

Not at all. The decisions are made by your parents because of the feelings they have for each other- and not you!

Who will I live with?

This should be a conversation that you have with your parents. If you are over 16, then you have a say in where you go. If you are under 16, then you have the right to say what you want and request where you go, but ultimately it is your parents decision.
If you don’t want to have to make the decision yourself (and lets face it- it’s definitely a big call), your parents can do this for you.

How long does the divorce take to go through?

The first step towards getting a divorce is to separate. Before deciding on this, some adults will go through counselling to make sure this is what they really want.
After two years of living apart, the courts can dissolve a marriage if they apply to do so.

Can my parents remarry?

Yes. Your parents are free to remarry as soon as their marriage has been dissolved.