Families Change Teen Guide to Separation & Divorce

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Welcome to A Teen Guide to Parental Separation and Divorce. If your parents have recently separated or divorced (or you think they may be about to), or you have a friend in that situation, this site is for you.

Parental separation and divorce are hard on teens. One thing that can help is information — about what separation and divorce mean in Canada, and how they might affect you.

  • The purpose of this site is to provide you with that information. The site is not intended to provide therapy, support or legal advice.
  • Do you have younger brothers or sisters? If so, get them to check out the Kids site.

What's Happening and Why — What separation and divorce mean, some of the reasons why they happen, and why you are not the reason for your parents' separation or divorce

Changes in Your Life — Things that are most likely to change in your life when your parents separate or divorce, some things that probably won't change, and some tips on getting used to change and getting on with your life

Your Emotions — Common feelings teens have when their parents separate or divorce, and some tips on how to deal with them

Strategies — Strategies for dealing with some of the new situations you might experience when your parents separate or divorce

About the Law — Outlines the laws about separation and divorce in Canada, with a list of key words and definitions

Resources — People who can help, and more sources of information

FAQ — Some Frequently Asked Questions about parental separation and divorce

This Web site was developed by the Justice Education Society of BC, with contributions from the British Columbia Ministry of Attorney General and financial assistance from the Department of Justice, Canada. The Alberta version of this website was reviewed and updated by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta.

Q & A

Q:
I'm feeling guilty. Was there something I did to cause it?
A:

You are not the reason for your parents splitting up. Parents split up because of problems in their relationship.

It's not your fault!

Q:
My parents never married. Do they have to go through the same process that married parents do when they split up?
A:

Common-law parents — parents who chose to live together without getting married — don't have to get a divorce, because there is no marriage to end. But they do need to decide what will happen to their children and how they will divide their property.

Q:
I'm feeling really upset and confused about my parents splitting up. Is this normal?
A:

It's natural — and entirely normal — to experience some intense emotions. You will feel better over time. There are lots of ways to help yourself feel better, and people who can help you if you need it.

Q:
If my parents divorce, will the same thing happen to me?
A:

Many teens whose parents split up feel anxious about their own relationships in the future. But just because your parents split up doesn't mean the same thing will happen to you. What happens in your relationships will be up to you, not your parents!

Q:
What is the difference between separation and divorce?
A:

When two people have been living together and they decide not to live together anymore, they are separated. However, when married people separate, their marriage has not yet ended. They have to get a divorce to legally end a marriage. Common-law couples don't have to get a divorce, because there is no marriage to end.