Fortunately, many separated parents can come to an agreement regarding what arrangements should be put in place for the care of their children once they have separated, or even if they’ve never lived together. 

Therefore, at Sanicki Lawyers, our Family Law Team is often asked to do the work of drafting a written Parenting Plan to confirm the arrangements – or even legally enforceable Court Orders – that can be made by the Court without the parents even having to step foot in a Court Room.

Parenting Plans and Consent Orders often will include matters such as:

• Who has parental responsibility for the child/children;
• With whom does the child/children live, and how much time do they spend with the non-resident parent – including time during the school terms, school  holidays and special days such as birthdays, religious feasts plus Mothers Day and Fathers Day;
• How to ensure the child/children spend(s) time with other people important to the child, including siblings, step siblings, grandparents and relatives;
• Changeover/transport arrangements for children between parents;
• What school does the child/children go to;
• What should be done about any high needs of the child – such as needs for specialist medical care, dietary requirements or educational support;
• What is the child’s religious or cultural identity, and what should be done to support their relationship or cultural identity;
• Should the child be permitted to travel overseas, and if so, on what conditions; and
• Are there any risk issues for the children in the care of either parent (or other care givers) – and what protections need to be put in place to ensure the child/children is/are protected from harm.

If you have a parenting dispute and you’d like some guidance, legal advice or representation from one of our experienced team at an FDRC, please contact Stephanie Hope, Senior Associate at Sanicki Lawyers and head of the Family Law Team at stephanie@sanickilawyers.com.au or on 03 9510 9888.