Parenting Arrangements

Mental Health Assessment and Support in the Family Court

Rebecca Ward
Senior Associate

Posted on 15/09/2023, Last Updated on 31/10/2023

  Having a mental health condition can often lead to the breakdown of a marital or de facto relationship, and the consequences of separation for such reasons can prove even more difficult to address where children are involved.  The primary issue usually revolves around the concerned parent not being present to ensure a child is … Continue reading “Mental Health Assessment and Support in the Family Court”


Family Court Proceedings – What to Expect

Rachael King
Lawyer

Posted on 14/02/2022, Last Updated on 31/10/2023

Attending the Family Court can be a very daunting experience. The process is different depending on whether you’re involved in Financial or Parenting matters, and we explain below the different Court events you are likely to encounter.   The First Return Date (Initial Hearing) Irrespective of whether you have filed an Application with respect to … Continue reading “Family Court Proceedings – What to Expect”


Collaborative Practice in Family Law

Caley Kim
Associate
Accredited Family Law Specialist

Posted on 26/07/2021, Last Updated on 31/10/2023

Collaborative Practice is a non-adversarial dispute resolution process whereby lawyers (and other professionals, such as psychologists, counsellors, child development specialists, financial advisors, tax accountants, etc.) work together to facilitate child and family-focused discussion between the parties to negotiate a practical overall agreement to all aspects of a dispute. Any discussions, correspondence or records of those … Continue reading “Collaborative Practice in Family Law”


Children’s Views in Family Court Proceedings – Not Seen, but Heard

Rachael King
Lawyer

Posted on 12/01/2021, Last Updated on 27/11/2023

Whilst in Primary School, I recall a class-mate feeling very nervous about attending the Family Court to express her views as to whether she wanted to live with her Mum or her Dad. I remember how anxious she was at the time, but after the event she told me she was so relieved that the … Continue reading “Children’s Views in Family Court Proceedings – Not Seen, but Heard”


Parenting Orders and Contravention in Times of Coronavirus

Ross Dunlop
Consultant

Posted on 23/04/2020, Last Updated on 20/01/2023

60–Second Summary The challenges faced by the Community amid COVID-19 are many, and often unforeseen as country after country imposes “lockdown” measures which increasingly restrict daily life – socially, economically, spiritually and physically. But in the family law sphere, separated parents are encountering a new range of challenges following government directions for people to stay … Continue reading “Parenting Orders and Contravention in Times of Coronavirus”


Sperm Donor Laws – Who are the legal parents?

Rebecca Ward
Senior Associate

Posted on 07/04/2020, Last Updated on 20/01/2023

60–Second Summary In our day and age, it is not uncommon for individuals to want to become a parent despite not being in a committed relationship (or if in a committed relationship and unable to conceive). Becoming a parent can be achieved via artificial insemination, or by engaging a “sperm donor”. This donor might be … Continue reading “Sperm Donor Laws – Who are the legal parents?”



Parenting Orders for Grandparents

Posted on 06/02/2020, Last Updated on 20/01/2023

60-Second Summary Grandparents may not always be aware that they can apply to the Family Court for Orders that their grandchildren live with or spend time with them. It does not matter if the parents of the children are together or separated – the legislation permits such an Application. In fact, grandparents are specifically mentioned … Continue reading “Parenting Orders for Grandparents”


FVRO’s (Family Violence Restraining Orders) vs Protective Orders

Rebecca Ward
Senior Associate

Posted on 23/10/2019, Last Updated on 20/01/2023

60–Second Summary The end of a relationship often presents separating spouses and their children with emotional upheaval, as well as various financial and practical difficulties. This is made more complex and emotionally disturbing when there are issues of family violence. In urgent cases of family violence, it is appropriate that an application be made in … Continue reading “FVRO’s (Family Violence Restraining Orders) vs Protective Orders”


Single Expert Witnesses in Parenting Proceedings

Rebecca Ward
Senior Associate

Posted on 27/08/2019, Last Updated on 20/04/2023

60–Second Summary The appointment of a Single Expert Witness (“Expert”) may become necessary in parenting proceedings in the Family Court where a professional opinion would assist the Court in reaching a decision. Issues requiring input from an Expert might include: Where and with whom the children ought to live How much time the children ought … Continue reading “Single Expert Witnesses in Parenting Proceedings”