Divorce
These days, many marriages end in divorce – when one or both partners decide they no longer wish to live together and wish to legally end the marriage. If both partners can sort out finances and agree about the care of their children, they will probably not have to appear in court, though a judge will always make the final decision about the divorce.Once the court is satisfied that appropriate arrangements have been made, and that the marriage cannot be saved, it will grant a decree nisi and then 6 weeks later, a decree absolute, which will bring the marriage to an end.
If your parents are involved in a divorce, hopefully they will reach an agreement about where you will live and when you will see them.
If the court thinks you are old enough to have a view of your own, you will be talked to in private by a judge so that he/she can take your views into account. If your parents can agree between themselves and with you where you will live, who you will stay with and how often you can visit the other parent, then there will be no need for you to go to court.
If your parents can’t agree about what will happen to you, they will be advised to use independent counsellors to try to reach an agreement before the case gets to court (a court divorce can be stressful, costly and distressing for everyone concerned).
The court's main concern is the welfare of the child/children involved, not the wishes of your parents.
After the divorce, both parents will remain responsible for you, and should consult each other about decisions that will affect your life.
After divorce proceedings have taken place it may be difficult for you but the immediate unhappiness usually fades with time and most young people are able to settle into a new routine.
It will be helpful to you if your parents are able to discuss the separation with you, about what happened in their relationship and why it ended. This will help you come to terms with your change in circumstances.
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