Parenting

Decision making for the best interests of your children can be difficult while trying to come to terms with the breakdown of a marriage or de facto relationship. It is not easy to look out for your children’s future when you are in the midst of trying to secure your own future without the support of a life partner for the first time.

We have helped thousands of parents through this.  Tactics must be flexible for your situation and vary from negotiation, mediation through to litigation.

Even reasonable amicable parents can disagree about what is best for their children and we can advise what objective experts and judges are likely to think of your situation, before you get that far.  Even sucessful parents might be arguing over:

  • parenting styles;
  • overnight times; nights per fortnights;
  • practicalities of changeovers;
  • private schooling
  • Christmas, birthdays, school holidays

These matters are usually resolved out of court but we have acted for parents in difficult situations involving the particular difficulties of:

  • stubborn and unrealistic spouses;
  • vengeful and abusive parents,
  • relocation,
  • schooling after separation,
  • mental illness,
  • irresponsibility,
  • drug and alcohol abuse

Decisions about the amount of time children spend with each parent probably are the hardest of all, given the mass of issues that arise. We have had experience in helping parents with many aspects of the care of their children including, but not limited to, their residence, schooling, religious upbringing, medical responsibility, communication and protection from harm.

The Family Law Act places great emphasis on making sure that children continue to have a strong and meaningful relationship with each of their parents. Amendments made to that Act in recent years have caused a shift in the approach that Judges take where parents can’t agree between themselves.

Early and informed decisions about the proposals you make for the care of your children may make the difference between experiencing years of acrimony versus creating a healthy positive environment for the growth and wellbeing of your children.

At the first interview we will provide you with the relevant legislation and identify the factors especially relevant to you.

If  want more information on your parenting rightst please contact us on (03) 9793 7888 to discuss your situation.