When separation involves children, it can be difficult to agree on what’s best for them day to day. Questions will arise like, where will they live? How much time will they spend with each parent? How do you share responsibility for big decisions about school, health and holidays? These decisions shape your child’s daily life, their relationships and their sense of stability. It can feel overwhelming, but with careful legal guidance you can ensure the right decisions are made.
Child custody, often referred to as parenting orders or arrangements, outline how these important decisions are made. Our experienced custody lawyers help parents, grandparents and other carers understand their rights and responsibilities. We aim to help families move from uncertainty to workable, lasting arrangements that reduce stress for everyone involved.
Before applying to the Court, families are generally required to attempt Family Dispute Resolution. This provides an opportunity to resolve disagreements outside of a courtroom. If agreement cannot be reached, an application may then be made to the Court with the appropriate certificate from mediation. In many cases, the Court starts from the position that shared parental responsibility is appropriate, unless there is a reason to decide otherwise.
