Child ‘Custody’ in Australia: How Parenting Arrangements Are Actually Decided
Australian Family Law stopped using the word ‘custody’ decades ago. Here is what replaced it, what the Court is actually deciding, and how most parenting arrangements are really settled.
Can I Move Away With My Child After Separation?
After a separation, it is not uncommon for one parent to consider moving to a different city or region. This might be for employment opportunities, family support, or a fresh start. However, when parents share parental decision making responsibility for a child, relocation can become a complex legal issue. Do I Need Permission to Move […]
Fixed Fee Consent Orders: Parenting and Property Agreements Made Simple
One of the most common concerns for clients in family law is uncertainty around legal costs. At South Coast Family Law Group, we offer fixed fee Consent Order services, where appropriate, to provide transparency and confidence from the outset. Whether your agreement relates to property settlement, parenting arrangements, or both, we can assist in turning […]
Why Clear Drafting in Parenting Orders Prevents Future Disputes
How precise wording can protect your children and your rights When parents separate, parenting orders or plans are often the backbone of how children spend time with each parent. Many families underestimate how much vague or poorly drafted orders can lead to disagreements, stress, and even court disputes down the track. At South Coast Family […]
How Holiday Parenting Orders Work (and Why They’re Different)
How Holiday Parenting Orders Work (and Why They’re Different) When parents separate, working out arrangements for the children during the school term is often the first priority. But what many families don’t realise is that school holiday periods are treated differently under parenting arrangements, and if they aren’t clearly addressed, disputes can arise quickly. At […]
Nesting Arrangements in Family Law: What You Need to Know
When parents separate, one of the most difficult challenges is working out how the children will spend time with each parent. In recent years, a parenting option known as “nesting” or “bird’s nest arrangements” has become increasingly discussed in Australian family law. At South Coast Family Law Group, we regularly advise parents on the pros […]
What is a Section 60I Certificate, and Why Do I Need One?
If you’re separating and trying to formalise parenting arrangements, you may have been told you’ll need a Section 60I Certificate before applying to court. If you’re not sure what that means or why it matters, you’re not alone, and it’s one of the most common questions we receive. This guide explains what a Section 60I […]
Children’s Contact Services & The Family Law Amendment Act
The Family Law Amendment Act 2024 (Cth) introduces significant reforms to the regulation and operation of Children’s Contact Services (CCS) in Australia. These changes aim to enhance the safety and well-being of children during family law proceedings involving contact arrangements. Key Reforms Affecting Children’s Contact Services (CCS) Impact on Family Law Practice These reforms aim […]
The Importance of Mediation: A Path to Less Stressful Resolutions
Mediation has emerged as a vital tool in Australian family law, offering a cost-effective way to resolve disputes without the need for lengthy and adversarial court battles. It is also (with some exemptions) a pre-action requirement in family law matters, prior to initiating Court Proceedings. Whether it involves child custody, property settlements, or parenting arrangements, […]
Mediation in Family Law
What Is Mediation? Do I Have to Attend? Your Guide to Family Law Mediation in NSW Family disputes can be emotionally taxing, but mediation offers a constructive path forward. At South Coast Family Law Group, we believe in empowering families with knowledge and support during challenging times. What Is Mediation? Mediation is a structured, confidential […]