At Rowan Skinner & Associates Lawyers, we understand that parenting arrangements after separation can be challenging, and knowing where to begin may feel overwhelming. Many parents often ask, “How do I get custody of my children?” However, under Australian law, it’s important to note that the concept of “custody” as well as “father’s rights” or “mother’s rights” no longer exists. The Family Law Act 1975 focuses on the rights of the child, with the paramount concern being what is in the child’s best interests.
As an experienced child custody lawyer Melbourne, we’ve prepared this guide to explain how the Court determines parenting arrangements, including the presumption of equal shared parental responsibility and what factors are considered in making these decisions.
Who gets custody? | Child Custody Lawyer Melbourne
We have provided a brief summary of what the Court looks for in child custody or better known as parenting cases in our FAQ section. Click here to find out. We suggest that you use this link to understand how a court applies the test. Unless there is reasonable evidence of family violence or child abuse, the Family Law Act requires the Court to presume that each parent has “equal shared parental responsibility” of the child. This means that each parent has equal decision-making power and responsibility for all major decisions for the child. An order for “equal shared parental responsibility” can be made by consent or by court order. Once there is an order for equal shared parental responsibility, Court will consider which of the following parenting arrangements is in the best interests of the child:
- Equal time or ‘shared custody’ with each parent; or
- Substantial and significant time with one parent; or
- Such other time with their parents.
When making this decision, the Court will also consider whether it is reasonably practicable for the child to spend such time with each parent. The Court will always consider what is in the best interests of the child as the paramount consideration.
How does the Court determine what is in the child’s best interests?
The primary factors the Family Law Act considers to be in the child’s best interests are: the benefit to the child of having a meaningful relationship with each parent; and the need to protect the child from being subject to or exposed to harm, neglect, abuse or family violence. There are a number of secondary considerations, for example, the wishes of the children. The Court will only deny or limit a parent’s time with their child in exceptional circumstances. We discuss this in our blog ‘Can a parent keep a child away from the other parent?’
If you have an order to spend time with your child, and the other parent is preventing you from doing so, without a reasonable excuse, then they are breaching court orders. This is a serious matter and there are options available to you to enforce your time with your child.
Contact Rowan Skinner Today
If you require assistance with your parenting arrangements or want to discuss your options, please contact our Melbourne Family Law expert at Rowan Skinner & Associates Lawyers, LIV Specialist Family Lawyers, to arrange a complimentary no-obligation consultation. Rowan Skinner has over 30 years of experience in family law, including child custody and parenting matters.
Call our team at (03) 9995 9155 for a non-obligation discussion. We service clients in Melbourne, Melbourne Northern Suburbs, such as Northcote, Alphington, Carlton, Fitzroy, North Fitzroy, Kew and Heidelberg, as well as South Melbourne and South Yarra.
Rowan Skinner is a highly skilled family lawyer with over 35 years of experience across various legal roles and jurisdictions. Rowan specialises in resolving family law disputes such as divorce, financial settlements, child custody and domestic violence cases. Through his diverse and extensive experience, Rowan has a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances involved in family law. Rowan is a skilled negotiator and litigator who follows a compassionate and client-focused approach which prioritises helping you navigate what can be an emotional and challenging time.