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Dec 14, 2016
When it comes to children, Family Law has one big rule – whatever is in the best interests of the children is priority no. 1. In saying that, often it is in the best interests of the children to have a set routine. This means having comprehensive parenting consent orders so neither parent is ever in any doubt as to their obligations (as this is when the children really get caught in the middle).
As such, whether you are trying to work out an agreement between yourselves before heading to a lawyer to get consent orders drawn up or whether you are already in the negotiation phase, here are some things you should be considering:
Week to week time with the kids:
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- Do you want to spend time with the kids on a weekly or fortnightly rotation?
- How can both parents have time with the kids during the week and have quality time with them on the weekend?
- How can you arrange your time so extended family also have an opportunity to see the children?
- Decision making:
- How will big decisions about the child’s life (eg. Education, extra-curricular, religious beliefs etc.) be made?
- How will smaller decisions be made?
- Communication:
- How will parents communicate about the children?
- What happens if one parent is running late to changeover?
- Is there flexibility in time spent with the children? If so, how do these changes need to be communicated to the other parent?
- Holidays and special occasions?
- Are there any special occasions which are particularly significant to one parent more than the other?
- How will the children spend time with both parents during special occasions?
- Overseas travel:
- When will the parents be allowed to take children overseas for travelling?
- Who will hold onto the children’s passports?
These are just some of the questions you will need to ask when thinking through a parenting arrangement. However, other questions will obviously arise depending on your personal circumstances.
If you have a family law matter, concerns about how to get a family law property settlement or questions about family law and separation in NSW and want to find out more please do not hesitate to contact us on 9688 6023 or email us at info@franklegal.com.au.
This article is provided to the reader for general information. It is not legal advice. It was written by Andrea Spencer & Emily Graham and edited by James Frank.
More from the blog:
Questions that need to be answered in a parenting arrangement
They grow up so fast: the impact of a child's views on a parenting arrangement
how to, family law property settlement, family law and parenting, divorce, family law property settlement in NSW
