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One of the key objects of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) focuses on the importance of both parents playing a meaningful and active role in the lives of their children after they have separated.
Understandably, parents sometimes differ in their views about how the needs of their child/ren are best met in the context of the objects set out above and the specific circumstances of their separation.
Our lawyers can advise you about the presumption in the law that parents have equal parental responsibility for their children and can advise and assist with arrangements about who children will live with and spend time with.
We can also advise about arrangements for children to live with or spend time with their grandparents.
The first pre-action procedure is for each party to attempt dispute resolution. The Court will require a dispute resolution certifcate before a parenting application can be filed. However, in some circumstances such as family violence, abuse or urgency, this requirement will be waived.
If parties cannot come to a resolution about parenting matters, then the next step is to file documents with the Federal Circuit Court or Family Court. Approximately 1-2 months after filing, an ‘Interim Hearing’ date will be set. A Judge will read the filed documents of each party and make a decision on Parenting Orders. The Parenting Orders will cover;
When making Orders, if there is the presumption of equal shared parental responsibility, then the Courts must consider whether ‘equal time’ is in the best interest of the child and reasonably practicable. If not, the Courts will consider ‘substantial and significant time’ e.g. 4-6 nights per fortnight is appropriate. If an Order for ‘substantial and significant’ time is not made, then the Courts will consider what other option is in the best interest of the child as well as reasonably practicable.
The Court will take into consideration the ‘best interest of the children’ as well as the following additional factors:
We are a private law firm conveniently located in the Adelaide CBD (just off Angas Street). With a small close knit team of solicitors and support staff, we will ensure that you are confident that you are choosing our professional team to put your best interest forward and provide a personalised cost effective strategy to resolve your matter.