Melbourne Child Custody & Parenting Plan Lawyers

Parenting Arrangements

When families experience separation or divorce, establishing clear and practical arrangements for children is crucial. We provide essential guidance and services to help parents navigate parenting plans and child custody, always prioritising the best interests of the child.

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Parenting Plans

A parenting plan is a written agreement between parents (and, if relevant, other caregivers) that outlines the care, welfare, and development arrangements for their children. Parenting plans are:

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• Voluntary and flexible: They can be tailored to each family’s unique circumstances and updated as needed.

• Not legally enforceable: While they provide a clear framework for co-parenting, they do not have the force of law unless converted into a court order.

• Comprehensive: Plans can address parental responsibility, living arrangements, time spent with each parent, communication methods, arrangements for special days (like birthdays and holidays), and how changes or disputes will be managed.

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Parenting plans must be in writing, dated, and signed by both parents, and should be made without any coercion or threats.

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Consent Orders

For parents seeking a legally binding arrangement, a parenting plan can be converted into a consent order. Consent orders are:

• Court-approved: They formalise the agreement and make it legally enforceable without requiring a court hearing.

• Binding: Both parties must comply with the terms, and breaching a consent order can have serious legal consequences.

• Difficult to change: Once made, consent orders can only be altered in limited circumstances, so legal advice is recommended before entering into them.

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Child Custody Services Provided by Charbel Lawyers

At Charbel Lawyers, our family lawyers offer a range of services to support parents through the process of establishing parenting arrangements and resolving custody matters:

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• Expert legal advice: Ensuring parents understand their rights, responsibilities, and the implications of different arrangements.

• Drafting parenting plans: Helping families create practical, child-focused agreements that reflect their needs.

• Consent order applications: Assisting in preparing and filing the necessary documents to formalise agreements with the court.

• Dispute resolution: Facilitating mediation and negotiation to resolve disagreements amicably, avoiding the need for litigation where possible.

• Child support agreements: Advising on and preparing binding child support arrangements as part of the overall parenting plan.

• Ongoing support: Providing guidance as family circumstances change, including modifying existing plans or orders if necessary.

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Focus on the Child’s Best Interests

Our family lawyer's approach to child custody and parenting arrangements with sensitivity and compassion, always prioritising the well-being and stability of the children involved. Their goal is to empower parents to make informed, practical decisions and to provide peace of mind during a challenging time.

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We are committed to guiding families through the complexities of parenting plans and child custody, ensuring that every arrangement is fair, practical, and focused on the best interests of the children.