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Parenting Matters
Helping You Navigate Parenting Arrangements After Separation
Parenting arrangements can be one of the most emotionally challenging aspects of separation. At our Gold Coast based family law firm, we help parents establish clear, child-focused care arrangements that prioritise the best interests of their children.
If you and your ex-partner cannot agree on custody, visitation, or parental responsibilities, our experienced family lawyers can guide you through negotiation, mediation, or Court proceedings to reach a resolution that works for your family.
What Are Parenting Matters?
After separation, parents must determine arrangements for children under 18, including:
- Parental decision-making – Who makes major long-term decisions about the children.
- Living arrangements – Where the children will reside.
- Time with the other parent – How time is shared between parents.
- Day-to-day logistics – Changeovers, school drop-offs, and communication.
- Long-term decisions – Matters such as:
- The child’s surname
- Education & religious upbringing
- Overseas travel & relocation
- Child support & financial responsibilities
If parents cannot agree, the Family Court can make legally binding decisions in the best interests of the child.
How Our Family Lawyers Can Help
1. Legal Advice & Parenting Plans
If you’re unsure about what arrangements to make, we provide tailored legal advice to help you understand your rights and responsibilities. We can assist with drafting a Parenting Plan – a flexible agreement that outlines parenting arrangements without involving the Court.
2. Consent Orders – Making Parenting Arrangements Legally Binding
If you and your ex-partner reach an agreement, we can formalise it through Consent Orders, which are legally enforceable and ensure clarity for both parents moving forward.
3. Negotiation & Mediation
We encourage collaborative co-parenting to minimise conflict and legal costs. If direct discussions are not possible, we can represent you in negotiations or mediation to help reach an agreement without going to Court.
4. Court Applications for Parenting Orders
If an agreement cannot be reached or if there are urgent concerns (such as family violence or child safety), we can assist you in applying to the Family Court for Parenting Orders. These orders may cover:
- Who the child lives with
- Time spent with each parent
- Specific parental responsibilities
If you already have existing Parenting Orders but they are no longer working, we can help apply for modifications to better suit your child’s evolving needs.
Urgent Parenting Matters – What to Do
If you are facing an urgent situation—such as a parent breaching court orders or a child being relocated without consent—you may need to seek immediate legal intervention.
We can assist with:
- Urgent Court applications to secure or modify parenting arrangements.
- Recovery Orders if a child has been taken without consent.
- Intervention Orders for protection in high-risk situations.
If you need urgent legal assistance, contact us immediately for expert advice and representation.
Need Parenting Arrangements Legal Advice? Contact Us Today
If you are facing a family law issue, don’t navigate it alone. Contact Robbins Watson Solicitors today to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our experienced family lawyers.
To book an appointment, you can:
- Call us on 07 5576 9999
- Book an appointment online by clicking here
- Fill out our online enquiry form by clicking here
Alternatively, you can get started online now and receive a free personalised welcome pack in minutes.
📖 Read More: See our blog article Navigating the Complexities of Child Custody: Tips for Achieving the Best Outcome for Your Family
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are parenting orders?
Parenting orders are court orders that set out arrangements for the care of children, including living arrangements, decision-making responsibilities and communication with each parent.
Do courts still presume equal shared parental responsibility?
No. The Family Law Amendment Act 2023 removed the presumption of equal shared parental responsibility from 6 May 2024. The court now makes whatever parental responsibility orders best promote the child’s safety and best interests, which may be joint or sole decision-making and there is no presumption of equal time.
Can parents agree on arrangements without going to court?
Parents can make a parenting plan or apply for consent orders that formalise their agreement, both of which focus on the child’s best interests.
How does the court decide what is in the child’s best interests?
Since May 2024, the Family Law Act lists six core considerations, including what arrangements promote the child’s safety, any views the child expresses, the child’s developmental, psychological, emotional and cultural needs, each parent’s capacity to meet those needs, and the benefit of a relationship with each parent where it is safe.
Can a parenting order be changed?
A court will only reconsider final parenting orders if there has been a significant change in circumstances and reconsideration is in the child’s best interests, or if all parties consent to new orders being made.