Part two: Care of your children
After a separation or change in family situation, it can be difficult to agree on care arrangements for your children.
When working out your parenting arrangement, your children’s best interests should be prioritised, and this can be done through the following:
Family Dispute Resolution Mediation – this allows you to reach an agreement in a quicker, cheaper and less stressful way and you do not have to go through the Family Court to use these services;
Family Court – if you cannot reach a private agreement, you can apply to the Family Court to decide for you. If you are considering this option, you need to attend a Parenting through Separation course and Family Dispute Resolution Mediation before you apply to the Family Court;
Urgent Parenting Orders – if there are safety concerns such as family violence or your partner is isolating your children, you can apply to the Family Court for an Urgent Parenting Order.
It is good to note that both parents retain guardianship regardless, which gives you a legal right to have a voice in important decision’s regarding your children’s upbringing e.g. schooling, living address, and medical procedures.
If this is something you are considering and need further support around, please reach out to our Family Law team.
We can provide information on Family Dispute Resolution Mediation and the Parenting through Separation course, as well as advice around when you should apply to the Family Court.
Next Monday, part three will guide you through division of property.
