One of the most challenging aspects of a relationship breakdown are the arrangements for the children's ongoing well being and their care in the future. It is preferable if the separating parties can come to some agreement between themselves without taking the matter to Court and exposing the family to further financial and emotional pressure.

We are able to assist the parties in negotiating such an agreement and coming to an amicable resolution. However, if the issues at hand can't be resolved, it could well be necessary that the parties have to go to Court to sort these issues out.

In these instances the Courts have complete power to deal with that dispute and can make the following types of parenting orders:

• Orders that specify the parent/s with whom the child lives;
• Orders that specify the parent with whom the child will spend time and how often this time will be spent;
• Orders dealing with other aspects of parental responsibilities such as the special needs of a child or children, their religion, education and medical treatment.

The Court will have regard to all areas of parental responsibility in making the decision.

Most importantly, the Court will consider what is in the best interests of the child and the Court will sometimes refuse to make agreed orders if they don’t feel these orders are in the child's best interest.

It is also notable that parenting orders be applied for by any person concerned with the care, welfare and development of children including step-parents, grandparents and other persons concerned with the welfare of the child.

Once orders are made they are enforceable by the court and the court can impose penalties on any person who disobeys the orders.

Parenting orders can always be reviewed while the child is under 18 years of age. 

Contact us to arrange a consultation or to send an enquiry now.