Creating custody solutions that prioritize your children's wellbeing and maintain meaningful parent-child relationships
Find Child Custody LawyersChild custody arrangements determine how separated parents share the care, responsibility, and time with their children. In Australia, the focus has shifted from "custody" to "parental responsibility" and "time spent with" children, emphasizing shared parenting where appropriate.
Melbourne family lawyers specializing in child custody help parents create arrangements that work for everyone involved, always keeping the children's best interests at the forefront of negotiations and court proceedings.
Both parents share decision-making about major long-term issues affecting their children, including education, health, religion, and cultural upbringing. This is the most common arrangement and is presumed unless circumstances dictate otherwise.
Time Division Examples: Week about arrangements, 5-2-2-5 schedules, or customized schedules based on work commitments and children's needs.
One parent has the exclusive right to make major decisions about the children. This arrangement is typically ordered when there are serious concerns about family violence, abuse, or when one parent is unable to participate in decision-making.
Common Scenarios: History of family violence, substance abuse issues, mental health concerns affecting parenting capacity, or geographical distance preventing joint decision-making.
Children live primarily with one parent while spending regular time with the other parent. This doesn't affect parental responsibility but determines the children's primary residence and daily care arrangements.
Typical Schedules: Every second weekend plus one weeknight, school holiday sharing, or arrangements tailored to work schedules and children's activities.
Arrangements should consider children's developmental stages. Younger children may need more frequent transitions, while teenagers require flexibility for social activities and school commitments.
Factor in the distance between homes, school locations, work schedules, and extracurricular activities when designing custody schedules that minimize disruption to children's routines.
Establish clear guidelines for parent-to-parent communication and children's contact with the non-residential parent through phone calls, video chats, and messaging.
Plan for holidays, birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and school events. Consider alternating years or splitting special days to ensure both parents maintain traditions.
Custody arrangements may need modification as circumstances change. Common reasons for seeking variations include:
Important Note:
Always attempt to negotiate changes through mediation before returning to court, unless urgent safety concerns exist.
Connect with experienced Melbourne family lawyers who understand the complexities of child custody and can guide you toward arrangements that work for your family.
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