Parenting Plans

Children can be difficult to share between parents. Who gets the kids? How often do I have a right to see my kids?

Often parents will restrict the children’s time with their ex-partner.

Children are the most important people in family law matters. When parents of a child (or adopted child) under 18 separate, the children will generally have a right to spend significant time with both parents to foster a meaningful relationship with them.

• Newborn babies and young infants up to 5 years old are considered too young to be shared between two homes and usually live with one parent and spend short regular periods with the other parent.
• Once the children are 5 and over their time with each parent can be shared more equally around school and extra-curricular activities. Equal shared time is usually on a week about or fortnightly schedule where parents can pick up/drop off children at school, day care, sport, public place etc.Equal shared time is otherwise available to parents when:

1. they can agree to this arrangement; or
2. a Court finds that equal time is in the best interests of the child and is the most suitable arrangement.

• Once children reach their teenage years and approach adulthood, it is difficult to force them to spend time with one parent if they do not want to and there is no order in place.

We can help you achieve a suitable time-on time-off arrangement, including important dates such as holidays, birthdays, mother’s and father’s days etc.

Alternatively, if you are having significant concerns regarding the care of your children, we can provide professional advice as to restricting or monitoring your children’s time with the other parent.

There is a myriad of creative shared care arrangements to suit any family and their circumstances.

For over 30 years, Arbon Legal Group have been providing comprehensive legal help to the people of the Gold Coast community. If you require further information or legal assistance to discuss your desired plan, please contact us today for a 15-minute, no obligation advice over the phone on 07 5562 0444 or email admin@arbonlegal.com.au.