Parenting Arrangements

When parents separate, there are no rules in regards to what should be the living arrangements of the children.  A mother and father can determine between themselves verbally what living arrangements they agree to be best for the children. Or if the parents cannot agree they have options for seeking assistance, such as mediation or seeking out a solicitor to help in the negotiations. 

If there are any urgent factors in a case, such as violence, drugs or even a relocation that has not been consented to by the other parent, then an application should be made to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia as a matter of urgency.

If parents can agree upon the appropriate living arrangements with the children, they have the choice to just have a verbal agreement. Or they can commit that agreement to writing so that they both know where they stand for the future and can ensure consistency for the children.

A parenting plan  

A parenting plan simply needs to be in writing, dated and signed by the parties.  Therefore, it can be prepared by the parties themselves. It is not binding which means if either of the parents does not comply with the parenting plan then they have not broken any Court Orders.  

Consent Orders 

These can be obtained through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The necessary documents should be prepared by a Solicitor and then filed with the Court for them to consider.  Once those orders have been approved if either parent contravenes those Orders then the other parent can make an application to the Court for a Contravention Application.