Family · Parenting · Children
Arrangements that work for the children's lives, not just the legal file.
A parenting matter is really about the school week. Where the kids sleep on a Tuesday. Who picks them up from sport. The legal documents should make those answers easier, not harder.
What we handle
Parenting plans, Consent Orders, child support and the wider arrangements.
For most parents we work with, the goal is the same: a stable, predictable arrangement that lets the children get on with their school week. The legal route varies depending on whether both parents agree, whether the matter needs to be enforceable, and whether there are safety concerns.
On the practical side we draft Parenting Plans, prepare Consent Orders, advise on child support assessments and enforcement, and act in Court when matters cannot be resolved any other way. We also act for grandparents seeking access and for fathers asserting their rights to a fair share of time.
Where there are safety concerns, parenting matters can intersect with intervention orders. We handle both, so the strategy is coherent rather than two separate fights.
If you are here because…
Three places parenting matters usually start.
You and the other parent have agreed.
Great. We turn the agreement into either a Parenting Plan (informal, fast, low-cost) or Consent Orders (Court-enforceable, slightly more involved). We explain the trade-off and let you choose.
You cannot agree.
Most parenting disputes resolve through Family Dispute Resolution before any Court involvement. We will tell you whether mediation is the right path for your situation, or whether the matter needs Court intervention from the start.
Child support is not being paid.
Services Australia can assess and collect child support. Where they cannot — overseas non-payers, complex income arrangements, or enforcement of private agreements — we step in.
Common questions
What people most often ask on the first call.
A Parenting Plan is a written agreement signed by both parents. It is not legally enforceable but is taken seriously by Courts and is a common, low-cost first step. Consent Orders are filed with the Family Court and have the force of a Court order — enforceable, but requires Court approval. We help you choose.
Under the Family Law Act, the Court considers a long list of factors including the benefit of a meaningful relationship with both parents, protection from harm, the child's views (depending on age), parental capacity, and practical arrangements. The best interests of the child is the paramount consideration.
Yes, in most cases. Section 60I of the Family Law Act requires parties to attempt Family Dispute Resolution before filing a parenting application, with limited exceptions (family violence, urgency, child abuse). We coordinate with FDR providers and help you prepare.
Grandparents can apply to the Family Court for time with grandchildren. The Court considers the same best-interests factors. We act for grandparents and have a good track record with these applications.
Until the child turns 18 or until the order is varied by the Court. Variations require demonstrating a significant change in circumstances. The orders should be drafted with enough flexibility to accommodate the realities of growing children.
We'll call you back the same business day.
Tell us briefly what's happening. Steven will call you back for a free 15-minute conversation, the same business day. No obligation, no pressure to engage us afterwards.
Thank you. We'll be in touch today.
Your message is with our team. If it's urgent, you're welcome to call us directly on (08) 8522 6025.