Understanding the Child Custody Process

When determining child custody arrangements, the court considers several key factors:

  1. Best Interests of the Child: The child's welfare, safety, and development are the paramount considerations, guiding all decisions made by the court.
  2. Primary Considerations: These include fostering a meaningful relationship between the child and both parents and protecting the child from harm or exposure to family violence.
  3. Additional Factors: The court evaluates the child's own views, the nature of the child's relationship with each parent, each parent's willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent, any history of family violence, and the practicality of the proposed living arrangements.
  4. Equal Shared Parental Responsibility: This legal presumption means both parents are expected to jointly make major decisions affecting the child. However, this does not imply equal or shared living arrangements.
  5. No Presumption of Equal Time: The court does not automatically presume that parenting arrangements will involve equal time with both parents. Decisions are made based on what arrangement best serves the child's interests.
  6. Role of Independent Children's Lawyer: In some cases, an independent lawyer may be appointed to represent the child's interests.
  7. Parenting Plans and Consent Orders: Parents are encouraged to reach agreements through mediation or negotiation, which can be formalised in parenting plans or consent orders.

Why Choose Hillcrest Family Lawyers for Your Child Custody Matters?

Selecting the right legal support for child custody is a decision that impacts not just you but your children's wellbeing. Hillcrest Family Lawyers stands apart for several reasons:

  1. Focus on Child's Best Interests: Our primary goal is to secure arrangements that best serve the child's emotional and developmental needs.
  2. Customised Legal Strategies: We understand that each family's situation is unique and offer personalised legal solutions.
  3. Supportive Legal Guidance: Our team provides empathetic support throughout the custody process, helping you understand your rights and options.

Choosing the Right Child Custody Lawyer

When selecting a lawyer for child custody matters, consider their experience, approach to sensitive cases, and ability to represent your interests effectively. At Hillcrest Family Lawyers, we take the time to understand your unique situation, providing comprehensive support with a focus on amicable solutions.

What to Expect from the Child Custody Process

The child custody journey is unique for each family. We guide you through the process, from understanding your parental rights to planning the next steps. Our approach includes:

  1. In-depth discussion of your family’s unique situation and concerns.
  2. Clarification of your parental and legal rights in understandable terms.
  3. Detailed planning of actions, timeframes, and costs.
  4. Facilitation of mediation with qualified Family Dispute Resolution practitioners.
  5. Assistance in formalising agreements through Parenting Plans or Family Court Consent Orders.
  6. Skilled negotiation with the other party’s lawyer to reach amicable parenting arrangements.

‍

‍

‍

‍