Parenting Arrangements for Children After Separation

Our family lawyers in Melbourne and Mount Waverley advise on parenting and children’s issues, with a focus on arrangements that are in your children’s best interests. We help you negotiate and document parenting arrangements, address disputes about where children live and how time is shared and obtain parenting orders when agreements cannot be reached.

• Parenting plans and consent orders – We help parents record practical arrangements for where children live, how time is spent with each parent, school holidays and special occasions. This may be through an informal parenting plan or formal consent orders approved by the Court, giving you greater clarity and certainty.

• Parental responsibility and decision‑making – We advise on who makes major long‑term decisions for your children, including schooling, medical treatment and religious or cultural matters. Our team helps resolve disagreements about decision‑making and, where needed, assist you to obtain appropriate court orders.

• Child support and maintenance – We explain how child support works, what the Child Support Agency may assess, and how private child support agreements can be used. We can review assessments, advise on variations and help you plan for school fees, extracurricular activities and other child‑related expenses.

• Relocation and travel disputes – We assist parents who wish to relocate with children or oppose a proposed move, whether within Victoria, interstate or overseas. We also advise on overseas travel, passports and safeguards to reduce the risk of children being removed without consent and help you negotiate or seek court orders where agreement is not possible.