Tag: parenting order

Family law and the best interests of the child [caption id="attachment_17846" align="alignright" width="350"] family law system[/caption] Family law primarily deals with matters involving separation, parenting and property settlements. A central principal underpinning the spirit of family law is the wellbeing of each child. That is, the best interests of the child or children remain paramount in every matter dealt with by the Court. What is in the best interests of a child will depend on the temperament, desires, relationships, religion...

In Queensland, there are various ways in which separated parents can formalise parenting arrangements. Each method will vary depending on the facts of your individual circumstance and this blog aims to refine the pros and cons of each option. Definitions [caption id="attachment_17814" align="alignright" width="350"] Parenting Arrangements[/caption] Before we begin outlining the different approaches, it is useful to understand the following terms which are central to parenting matters in Queensland: Presumption of equal shared parental responsibility When making a parenting order,...

Family disputes involving children can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. If your child resides with you, but the other parent or another person is withholding them, or if there are issues with parenting orders not being followed, you may consider applying for a recovery order. What is a Recovery Order? [caption id="attachment_17807" align="alignright" width="350"] Recovery Orders in Brisbane[/caption] A recovery order is a court order that directs a child to be returned to: A parent of the child; A...

The passing of the most recent Family Law Amendment Act on 19 October 2023 brings important changes to the current regime, which will affect your rights, the court’s approach and our legal advice. These amendments will be effective from 6 May 2024. There are four key changes which will discuss in this blog. 1. No more presumption of equal shared responsibility under section 61DA Cause [caption id="attachment_17783" align="alignright" width="350"] family law amendment act[/caption] This presumption provides that parents are presumed...

Child Custody Disputes in Cairns In Cairns, the Family Law Act plays a pivotal role in shaping the resolution process for parents embroiled in disputes over their child's parenting arrangements. A crucial step mandated by this Act is the attendance of mediation for parents who cannot reach an agreement on their own. Before initiating an Application for a parenting Order in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, they must first obtain a Section 60I Certificate, a prerequisite highlighting...

Children Vaccination Update in Australia In the midst of the global Coronavirus pandemic, the Australian Government recently announced that children aged 5 to 11 are now eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccinations, should their parents wish for them to. But what happens if you and your former partner cannot agree on whether or not to vaccinate your child?  The Covid-19 vaccinations are administered in 2 doses, given 8 weeks apart. The time between the vaccinations can be reduced to 3...

What are Consent Orders?  A Consent Order is made by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia formalising an agreement reached between parties after separation about parenting and/or property matters. A parenting order will only become legally binding if deemed to be in the best interests of the child.  As a legally binding Order, each person affected by the Order must follow it. A parenting order deals with a range of issues, including but not limited to:  Who the child will reside with;  How much time the child will spend with each parent;  Whether one or both parents...

Punishment For Breach of a Family Court Order [caption id="attachment_11982" align="alignright" width="300"] Punishment For Breach of a Family Court Order[/caption] In a recent decision of the Family Court, it was ordered that a mother serve an immediate term of imprisonment of 14 days and further that she be subject to a further term of imprisonment of 14 days which will be fully suspended. This arose because the mother had failed on numerous occasions to allow her child to spend time...

Equal Shared Parental Responsibility A typical parenting order made by the Court will involve equal shared parental responsibility. This essentially means that both parents are required to consult each other on the major long-term issues of the children which relate to the order. Whilst the definition of “major issues” is not meant to be exhaustive, the five most common issues related to: The child’s education (both currently and any future needs); The child’s religious and cultural upbringing (this is particularly...

The Impact of Criminal Law in Family Law Jurisdiction Criminal Law in family law: Pursuant to section 61DA of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), the presumption of equal shared parental responsibility exists within family law proceedings. However, this presumption does not apply in circumstances where parents have engaged in family violence due to the effect of section 61DA(2)(B). Effect of Family Violence Orders on Parenting Orders The Family Court may enforce a Family Violence Order against a parent of...