Family Problems
If your Mum and Dad split up, it can be a very upsetting time. Because you are so closely involved, the law expects your parents to ask you what you think, before they take any big decisions affecting your life, such as which parent you should live with.
If parents can't sort things out themselves, they will probably go to a lawyer and might have to ask a court to decide what should happen. If a court is involved, you have a right to tell the Sheriff what you think, before any court order is made but you don’t have to. Court orders can say where young people are to live, and how often they should see parents who don't live with them.
There are different ways you can tell a Sheriff (the judge) what you think and the Sheriff will explain how you can make your feelings known. You may, for example, be given a Court form to complete or you could tell a Court Reporter. A Reporter is an independent solicitor who is appointed by the Court to help you. You can chose to have a solicitor speak for you.
The Scottish Child Law Centre has a leaflet about this. Call them FREE on 0800-328-8970. For more information, see "Solicitors".
