At McCarthy Family Law we will assist you to make parenting plans, arrangements or orders for your children that are:

1. Appropriate for your circumstances; and
2. In your children’s best interests given the unique circumstances of your individual matter.

It has been determined that children have better outcomes following divorce or separation if they are able to maintain a healthy relationship with each parent. Where this is appropriate, we will help you to draft arrangements that are consistent with this approach.

There is a mandatory requirement for parents who have a dispute regarding their children to seek the professional help of a mediator who is trained and accredited by the Attorney General as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.

This may help to limit any dispute before having to go to Court.

Parental responsibility is the right to decide on important issues such as:

1. Which school your children will attend.
2. Which religion the children will observe.
3. The residence of the children.
4. Decisions about your children’s short and long term welfare, as well as other important matters.

Parental responsibility can be equal and shared, or sole.

Our role at McCarthy Family Law is to assist you to reduce the length of any dispute by identifying the issues quickly. We will offer you advice to implement a mutually agreed solution pursuant to the Family Law Act that can be drafted into Orders by Consent and filed by the Court as enforceable.

When matters do proceed to Court, McCarthy Family Lawyers will, at all times, continue to negotiate with the legal representatives of the other party to assist you to obtain a speedy resolution and avoid the stress and expense of a prolonged court process.

Where parenting matters cannot be agreed to, Court processes will be initiated. Read more by clicking here.