Let us help get your parenting matters sorted
We can help if you need legal advice about a child that is important to you.
At Freeman Family Law we provide fathers, mothers, grandparents, and step-parents across Melbourne with comprehensive and practical advice to achieve the best outcome for their family.
What we offer to our clients
We frequently help clients and their families achieve successful outcomes in a variety of matters including:
Parenting disputes (‘custody’ and ‘access’).
Same sex parenting (and financial) disputes.
Paternity disputes.
Assisting with parenting plans.
Obtaining consent orders.
Child Support payments.
Parentage disputes.
Relocation and travel.
‘Best interests of the child’
Under Australian law children have the right to maintain a meaningful relationship with both of their parents while being protected from harm. The Family Law Act 1975 requires that any arrangements that are made for a child during or following a separation are to be in their best interests.
Parental responsibility
Following a separation both parents maintain shared parental responsibility for any child of the relationship aged 18 & under, meaning that the child’s parents will share responsibility for major decisions including schooling, religion, and significant health decisions. Equal responsibility is not the same as equal time and there is no rule or presumption that children spend equal time with each parent.
Child ‘custody’ and time arrangements
The term ‘child custody’ is no longer in use in Australian law. Instead parents will make arrangements for ‘time’ for that child to spend with each of their parents.
Although parents share an equal responsibility for children, there is no rule that the child must spend equal time with each parent. There are no fixed rules as to who a child should live with or how much time they should spend with each of their parents. In many circumstances arrangements for children are made and agreed upon by the parents either independently, in mediation, or with the guidance of family lawyers. If the parents cannot agree, the Court can decide what arrangements that are in the child’s best interests and can make Orders accordingly.
Just as each family is different, each outcome relating to children is highly dependant on the individual circumstances of that family.
For more information, contact our team of respected family lawyers today for a confidential discussion about your childrens matter.
Freeman Family Law has been assisting clients in Melbourne CBD, Yarraville, Caroline Springs, Hillside, Keilor, Albert Park and Taylors Lakes areas for over 30 years. of your family while we take care of your rights
Servicing Melbourne and surrounds with 7 conveniently located offices.