Advice

Lots of families are affected by divorce and it can be difficult for everyone. If your parents are getting divorced, you probably have lots of questions about what it means now. We answer the big ones for you here...

What is it?

When a married couple officially end their marriage. But the situation will be pretty much the same if your parents aren't married and split up.

Can I stop my parents splitting up?

Nope. You have to let them decide for themselves. Have faith that they've tried to work things out already, and respect their decision. This is about their relationship with each other - their feelings towards you won't change.

What will it be like for me when they're not together anymore?

There'll be a lot of changes, but things will settle down. If you have to decide who to live with, make a list of pros and cons for each parent. Talk to both parents about how you want things to be, especially the arrangements to see the one you don't live with. In the end, trust your instincts and go with what feels right.

Can I help them get back together?

You can't change the way they feel about each other. If they decide the marriage is over, it's over. Don't waste your time and energy trying to pretend it isn't.

Will my home life ever be happy again?

It's hard on everyone if parents are unhappy with each other. Once parents have split up, things can be much calmer. If you're anxious about the future, talk to your parents. You can also follow the links below for help and advice. It'll be tough at first, but if your parents are happier, you probably will be too.