When parents separate or divorce, they have to make a lot of decisions.

First, they have to decide who the children will live with and how that will work.  (Maine law uses the terms “residence” and “parent-contact.”) For example, if the children live with one parent, how often and for how long will they get to see the other parent? If the children live with both parents, will they stay with one parent during the week and the other during the weekend? Or will they spend one week with one parent and one week with the other?

Then parents have to decide how much money one parent has to give the other to help pay for the things their children need. This is called child support.

Parents also have to decide how they will divide all of their property (the things they own together). In a divorce, the court finalizes this division of property in the Divorce Judgment. In a separation, it is up to your parents to divide things in a way that they think is fair.

• If they own a house, will they keep it? If so, who will keep it?
• How will things like the furniture, cars, TV, computer, and pictures be divided?
• How will they divide their money and any debts they may have?

Either parent may have a lawyer. The lawyer's job is to help your parent understand the laws and to help your parent do what is best for you.  It is also common for parents not to have lawyers.  Sometimes they are too expensive.