Parenting Arrangements After Separation
When parents separate, their first priority is usually the wellbeing of their children. In many cases, well-meaning parents are able to reach a mutually beneficial agreement about parenting arrangements. These agreements can cover where the children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, and how important decisions about their upbringing will be made.
However, disagreements can and do arise. If you feel there is a dispute about your parenting arrangements — or if you are concerned about your legal rights and obligations — it is essential to seek expert family law advice. At Parke Lawyers, we can provide practical guidance, representation, and support to help you move forward.
Shared Parental Responsibility
Unless a court order states otherwise, both parents automatically retain equal shared parental responsibility. This means they both have a duty to:
- Make decisions jointly about significant, long-term matters affecting their children, including education, health, and religion
- Put the best interests of the children first in all decision-making
Where parents cannot agree, the matter may need to be resolved through mediation or, in some cases, by court order.
How Parke Lawyers Can Help
Our family lawyers in Melbourne have extensive experience assisting parents in all aspects of parenting disputes. We can:
- Provide mutual advice and guidance to help parents reach a workable agreement
- Draft and formalise parenting plans or consent orders to give agreements legal effect
- Represent you throughout mediation or family dispute resolution
- Appear for you in court if litigation becomes necessary
Our team is not only legally skilled but also understands the emotional complexities of family breakdowns. We focus on achieving outcomes that prioritise the best interests of the children while also reducing stress and conflict for parents.
Court Representation
While most parenting disputes can be resolved through negotiation or mediation, some matters require court involvement. Our Melbourne family lawyers have successfully conducted parenting cases in:
- The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
- State Supreme Courts
- The High Court of Australia (in rare and complex matters)
This breadth of experience means you can rely on Parke Lawyers to provide strong advocacy and clear advice, whatever the forum.
Comprehensive Family Law Services
Parenting disputes are often connected to other family law issues. At Parke Lawyers, we can also advise and represent you in:
- Divorce and separation
- Property settlement and financial division
- Spousal maintenance
- Child support
- Pre-nuptial and binding financial agreements
- De facto relationship property matters
By offering comprehensive family law services, we ensure that every aspect of your situation is considered and addressed.
Why Choose Parke Lawyers?
- Decades of combined family law experience
- A practical, compassionate, and solutions-focused approach
- Proven success in both negotiated outcomes and contested litigation
- Clear, upfront advice on costs and flexible fee arrangements
