Even if your parents decide to separate or get a divorce, they still have a shared responsibility to care for you and make important decisions about your life. But if your parents no longer live in the same house, where do you live?
You can say when you want to live with each parent, and the counsellors and the judge will take account of your wishes. However, your parents will have to decide how to share the time between them. If they can’t agree, and a counsellor can’t solve the problem, a Family Court judge or a Federal Magistrate will decide what is best for the children. This can take time and involve other people as well, such as lawyers.
But remember—all children have a right to the affection and attention of both parents. You should be able to have contact, even a phone call, or email with your other parent.
The lawyers
Lawyers know a lot about the law. Each parent will hire a lawyer to speak for them in court. The lawyer’s job is to persuade the judge that their client should have the children live with him or her. Sometimes a lawyer is appointed to help the judge work out what is best for the children.
The counsellors
Counsellors know a lot about personal relationships. They usually talk to the parents and the children and then report to the judge about the relationships that exist in that family.
