Blog
Category: Parenting Matters
Family law matters involving drugs, alcohol or family violence
Exposing a child to a parent (or third party) who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, in possession of drugs, or engaging in family violence is unthinkable to most parents. A common conundrum that separated parents face is how to protect their child from harm whilst also supporting the child’s relationship with the other parent.
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Can I change my child's surname after separation/divorce?
Following separation or divorce, it is not uncommon for a parent to change the surname of a child to recognise their surname in the child’s name.
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Child handover arrangements when co-parenting
Child handover for parents and children can be complicated, difficult and a source of anxiety for all involved. When parents are co-parenting after separation, it is important for children, that handover is simple and cordial, and provides children with the least likely feeling of being tugged between parents.
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Difference between child support and spousal maintenance
Following separation, one of the first issues people turn their minds to is what if any, financial support they may be entitled to from their former partner. Child support and spousal maintenance can provide financial support to a spouse who may not have sufficient income to support themselves and their children after separation.
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Drug testing and parenting matters
In parenting matters before the Family Court system, there are often allegations of risk, including drug use by a parent or carer of a child. Drug use, including illicit substance abuse, can indicate a lack of parental capacity and risk of harm or actual harm to others, including children.
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What can I do if my former partner does not return the children to me?
Unfortunately, this is a question we commonly get asked during the holiday period, when one parent, after spending time with the children, unilaterally fails to return the children to the other parent. In this article, we explore options to apply for a recovery order.
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What is a Child Impact Report?
A Child Impact Report is a report prepared by a Court Child Expert to provide information to the Court about the experiences and needs of the child in the context of a family law dispute before the Court.
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What happens when parents cannot agree on child vaccination?
The Family Court has been called in to make decisions regarding vaccinating children in the past – for vaccinations other than COVID. No doubt, the Court will also need to decide when parents are in dispute about whether to vaccinate their child (or not) for COVID.
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Appeals process in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
With the commencement of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) on 1 September 2021 came a new appeals process for matters within the family law court system.
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The National Contravention List to Enforce Family Court Orders
On 18 August 2021, the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court announced the launch of a new National Contravention List designed to handle ongoing problems associated with compliance with Family Court Orders. The NCL took effect on 1 September 2021.
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Time with children at Christmas, after separation
Several months before December each year, Mums and Dads are starting to prepare for Christmas. In this blog, we look at how to prepare for discussions about spending time with children and what options are available if you cannot agree.
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What is a pre-trial conference in family law matters?
A family law pre-trial conference is similar to a mediation-style conference, however, it is conducted by a Registrar of the Court rather than a mediator. Pre-trial conferences are only held in respect of financial disputes and parenting disputes.
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