Parenting Agreements

The primary responsibility of parents is to ensure the best interests of their children are met. This means that parents must make decisions that promote the children’s safety, welfare, and development. They are responsible for making decisions about the children’s living arrangements, education, health, and religion, among other things.

The process for creating a parenting agreement in Australia can vary depending on the circumstances of the family. In some cases, parents can negotiate an agreement through informal discussions or with the assistance of a mediator. This is often the preferred option, as it allows parents to come to an agreement that suits their needs and circumstances.

If parents are unable to come to an agreement through negotiation or mediation, they may need to seek assistance from the Family Court of Australia or the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. In these cases, the court will consider the best interests of the children and make orders that reflect those interests.

When creating a parenting agreement, there are several factors that should be considered to ensure that it is in the best interests of the children. These include:

• The children’s age, maturity, and development
• The children’s wishes if they are old enough to express them.
• The nature of the relationship between the children and each parent
• Each parent’s ability to provide for the children’s needs, including financial, emotional, and physical needs.
• Any special needs or requirements of the children, such as medical or educational needs
• The practicalities of the proposed arrangements, such as distance between homes and schools

In general, the best option for parents is to work together to create a parenting agreement that is in the best interests of their children. This can help to reduce conflict and provide a stable and secure environment for the children. However, if parents are unable to agree, seeking the assistance of a family mediator or the court may be necessary to resolve disputes and ensure that the children’s best interests are met.

We understand how difficult it is for parents and children to go through separation and divorce. That’s why we as family lawyers do everything in our power to help you reach an agreement with your ex-partner that protects the interests of your child or children.

Our goal is to help you achieve a parenting agreement that works for both of you, and that allows each parent to have as much time with their child or children as possible. We will work with you until we reach an agreement that reflects your wishes and provides a clear
process for parenting after separation. Contact us today!