Parenting Arrangements

It is a child’s right to spend time with and know both their parents unless there is a very good reason not to.

You need to think about where the children will live, how they will spend time with the other parent, and communicate with each other whether in person, over the telephone, letter, email or by computer; and any particular matter which requires mention, for example, sometimes parents want to specify particular arrangements regarding the children’s education, medical treatment or any other of the myriad issues relating to children’s upbringing and welfare.

Matters relating to a child sometimes involve not only the parents but also the grandparents, other relatives or people who have acted as foster parents – you may need to turn your mind to these matters also.

Each of you and your partner have equal shared parental responsibility for your child unless the Court orders otherwise.  This means that decisions on major long term issues should not be made without consulting the other parent first.

Major long term issues include education, religious and cultural upbringing, health and even choice of name.  In practical terms this would entail both of you choosing the school the children are to attend, attending school functions, receiving copies of school reports, being consulted and providing consent in the event they require serious medical treatment, signing passport applications and so on.

It is important that you know your rights and responsibilities before you enter into negotiations with your partner.

Sometimes either you or your partner may want to relocate your child’s residence, whether it is within Australia or overseas.

The Court will consider the competing proposals of each of you and your partner and then in due course whether the children should relocate based on whether or not it is in the children's best interests to do so.  There are various principles which will need to be considered prior to any move.  We can discuss these matters with you further.

Parenting arrangements can be difficult, if you would like to know where you stand with this issue please call Julie at Shedden & Associates today on (02) 9891 0055 or 0411 667 699 to arrange an initial conference to discuss your alternatives.