Looking For Advice On Parenting Matters? Our experienced solicitors in Geelong can help
When parents separate, making decisions about their children’s future can be one of the most emotional and challenging aspects of family law. If you and the other parent or guardian have been unable to reach an agreement regarding parenting arrangements, seeking advice from experienced Geelong solicitors can help you understand your legal rights and options.
At Cornish Lawyers, our experienced Geelong solicitors provide practical, compassionate legal advice to help families navigate parenting matters with confidence. Whether you are negotiating parenting arrangements, attending mediation or preparing for court proceedings, our Geelong solicitors are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your children
Parenting Arrangements After Separation
Following separation, parents need to make important decisions about their children’s care, wellbeing and future. Parenting arrangements commonly address:
- Where the child will live
- How much time the child spends with each parent
- Schooling and education
- Medical and healthcare decisions
- Religious or cultural matters
- School holidays, birthdays and special occasions
- Communication between parents
Every family is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Our Geelong solicitors work closely with families to develop practical parenting arrangements that reflect their unique circumstances while protecting their children’s best interests.
Parenting Plans
A Parenting Plan is a written agreement between parents that outlines how they will share the care and responsibility of their children following separation.
A Parenting Plan may include:
- Living arrangements
- Time spent with each parent
- Communication arrangements
- Schooling and extracurricular activities
- Medical decisions
- Holiday arrangements
- Future decision-making responsibilities
Although a Parenting Plan is not legally enforceable, it provides a clear framework for co-parenting and can help parents avoid lengthy court proceedings.
Our experienced Solicitors Geelong team can prepare, review and negotiate Parenting Plans that are practical, child-focused and tailored to your family’s circumstances.
Parenting Plans vs Consent Orders
While Parenting Plans and Consent Orders both deal with parenting arrangements, they are very different.
A Parenting Plan is a written agreement reached between parents that can be changed by mutual agreement. A Parenting Plan is not a court order, and if one parent breaches the agreement, it cannot be enforced through the courts.
Consent Orders are a parenting agreement that has been approved by the Court and is legally binding. If one parent does not comply with Consent Orders, enforcement action may be available through the Court.
Our Geelong solicitors can explain the differences between Parenting Plans and Consent Orders and help determine which option is most appropriate for your family’s circumstances.
How Does The Court Decide Parenting Matters?
Under the Family Law Act 1975, there is no standard parenting arrangement that applies to every family. Instead, the Court’s paramount consideration is always the best interests of the child.
When determining parenting arrangements, the Court may consider:
- The benefit of the child maintaining meaningful relationships with both parents, where appropriate.
- The need to protect the child from physical or psychological harm.
- The child’s views, depending on their age and maturity.
- The child’s relationship with parents, siblings and extended family.
- Each parent’s involvement in the child’s life.
- The practical arrangements for the child to spend time with each parent.
Every parenting matter is unique, which is why obtaining personalised legal advice from our an experienced legal team is so important.
Family Mediation & Dispute Resolution
Before commencing court proceedings, the Family Law Act 1975 generally requires parents to participate in family dispute resolution (mediation), unless an exemption applies, such as family violence or an urgent matter.
Mediation provides parents with an opportunity to resolve parenting disputes with the assistance of an independent mediator, often resulting in faster, less stressful and more cost-effective outcomes than litigation.
There are several respected mediation services available throughout Geelong, including the Family Relationship Centre, LifeWorks and CatholicCare, as well as private mediation services where legal representatives may attend.
Our experienced Geelong solicitors can:
- Prepare you for mediation
- Provide legal advice before and after mediation
- Represent you during private mediation where appropriate
- Draft Parenting Plans and Consent Orders following an agreement
When Parenting Matters Go To Court
If parents cannot reach an agreement through mediation, an application may be made to the Court.
Our Solicitors Geelong team can assist with:
- Parenting Orders
- Interim parenting arrangements
- Recovery Orders
- Contravention applications
- Relocation matters
- Urgent parenting applications
- Court representation throughout family law proceedings
Our goal is always to resolve parenting disputes as efficiently as possible while protecting the best interests of your child.
Frequently Ask Questions
Speak With Our Geelong Solicitors Today
If you require advice about parenting arrangements following separation, contact Cornish Lawyers today.
Our experienced Geelong solicitors will explain your legal rights, guide you through every stage of the family law process and work with you to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your children.