Kids' stories | Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

Tahnee

Hi, I’m Tahnee, I’m 7 and I live with my nan and pop on Kaurna Country.

I love my mum a lot, but I only get to see her sometimes. Before my family went to Family Court, my nan or auntie always came with me when I saw my mum, this was to help me feel safe.

My mum wanted to spend more time with me. It made me feel a bit scared when my family didn’t all agree what should happen. I love everyone, and it was hard.

When my family did go to court, they told me there were people there to help make some big decisions. I felt worried and confused at first.

Now I still live with my nan and pop but get to spend two nights per week with my mum.

Ollie

Hi, I’m Ollie, I’m 11 years old.

I am in my last year of primary school, and I’m excited to start high school!

My parents were fighting about which high school would be best for me. I felt worried and angry because no one was really listening to me. I know my parents love me, but they couldn’t agree, so they got some help from the Court. I got to talk to a family expert, because the Court wanted to know what I thought.

The judge made the final decision. Now I get to go to the high school with the best basketball program for kids like me.

Raimi

Hi, I’m Raimi and I am 10 years old.

My mums weren’t getting along, so they decided not to live together anymore. That was sad for me, and I remember crying a lot when they first told me.

I moved with one of my mums to live with her family. Now I don’t get to see my other mum as much, but I still get to call her every night to tell her about my day. I also get to see her once a month on the weekend, and during school holidays which is a plan the Family Court helped my mums come up with together.

I still miss living with both of my mums together, but I am happy they’re getting along again.

Elijah

Hi, I'm Elijah and I'm 12 years old.

My dad is from Egypt and my mum is from Sudan. I have three big sisters.

I love my family and my friends I also love eating Egyptian and Sudanese food. I think my mum and grandmothers are the best cooks in the world.

It was so hard when my parents separated. I felt frustrated because one of my sisters didn't want to see my dad, so at first, I didn't get to see him much either. When my parents went to court, I got to speak to someone and share how I felt.

Now I spend one week with my mum and my sisters and one week with my dad. I feel lucky because I get the best of both.

Arlo

I identify as non-binary and use they/them pronouns. When I told my dad, he was very supportive, but I was scared to tell mum.

When I did tell her, she wouldn’t let me go to LGBTIQ+ youth groups and activities which made me sad and angry.

Dad saw that I was feeling upset all the time. He and mum couldn’t agree on what was best, so dad asked the Court for help.

The Family Court listened to me and decided that dad could make the decisions about the activities and groups I wanted to go to.

I’ve been going to some youth groups and have made lots of new friends who understand me. I am feeling really supported and like I belong.

Ella

Hi, my name is Ella. I am 14 and I’m in year 9.

Halfway through last year my mum, my little brother Ramon and I had to leave our house because it wasn’t safe.

We stayed with my aunty until mum found a new place for us to live. I even had to change schools which made me sad because I couldn’t see my old friends anymore.

There was lots of change all at once which made me feel confused and frustrated, but now home is calm and I feel very safe. I’ve made some friends at my new school, and I don’t worry about mum or Ramon as much.

Jasmine

Hi, I’m Jasmine. I’m 9 years old.

My parents are from India, but I was born in Australia. I have a big family, and it was really hard when my parents decided not to live together anymore.

At first, I spent one week with my mum and then one week with my dad. Moving between houses was hard because each house has different rules. It felt like I didn’t really have a home. I also have autism, which means changes can be extra tough for me.

After my parents went to Family Court, I started living with my mum most of the time and visiting my dad on some weekends and school holidays. I like this better because I can stay in one place and still see both of my parents.