Child Custody Law, Child Support Agreement and Other Family Law Matters in Australia

Children are the innocent parties in a relationship breakdown, and while both parents want the best for their children, hurt, bitterness and fear of financial hardship can often cause parents to put their own agendas first. An experienced family lawyer who is an expert in Child Custody Laws, child support agreement and other family law matters will guide you through the process to make sure the children’s best interests are put first while making sure you get fair treatment. Having an independent third party involved helps you to stand back from the emotional elements of the situation and find a solution that protects your child’s welfare and is workable for everyone involved.

Child Custody Laws and Arrangements

Child custody laws and support is a delicate topic that requires sensitivity and practical solutions. Clive and the team are experienced in diffusing difficult situations and using a conciliatory approach to take in to account the wishes of the children, parents, step-parents, grandparents, and other close relatives who want to be assured of continuing contact.

Parenting arrangements often deal with the amount of time each parent spends with a child, and where that child will live. We prepare child custody or parenting agreements to document where a child will spend time day to day, at the weekends, during celebratory holidays and school holidays etc. This allows certainty and clarity for the child and the parents.

Child Support Agreements

Each parent is expected to financially support their child. The Child Support Agency generally determines the minimum amount a parent should contribute. Some parents want to pay more than the minimum contribution determined by the Child Support Agreements but want some control in how that money is spent – for example on school fees. We prepare child support agreements to document proposed parental contributions and how they should be spent.

Court Proceedings – Parental Issues

While we aim to keep matters out of court wherever possible, child custody cases in Family Law Matters are more commonly resolved in court if parents cannot agree on the arrangements quickly. Other family members may also request a court order if their wishes have not been accommodated.

Clive Mills is experienced in preparing family law matter affidavits for use in the family law courts, which meticulously document all of the relevant information to assist the judge or magistrate in making a fair assessment. In some cases, the court will decide where, and with whom, the child will live.

Same-sex couples, sperm donors, and step parents – your legal rights within child custody laws

Child custody is a complex and emotional situation for two biological parents, but for same-sex parents, sperm-donors and step parents, there are additional factors to consider. We also advise and assist couples in same sex relationships and surrogate arrangements to understand and protect their legal rights and entitlements.

Call us on (02) 9199 0737 or send an email to cjm@cmalegal.com.au for assistance.