Families Change Guide to Separation & Divorce

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Court

Jeremy: When a couple separates, there are a lot of decisions to make.

Sometimes parents can’t agree on decisions about custody and access, child supportThe money one parent has to pay the other parent to help pay for the things kids need, and property divisionWhen people who separate split up the things they own.

If they can’t agree, they have to go to courtA place where a judge makes decisions to have a judgeA person who knows a lot about the law, makes decisions for people, and is in charge of a court make decisions for them.

Going to court can take a long time. The courts are very busy, and it may be a long time before your parents can see the judge.

Kids don’t have to go to court. But someone who works for the court might want to talk to you to try to find out what is best for you. If this happens, it’s best to just be honest and talk about how you feel.