Corney & Lind Lawyers

Instagram

  • About
    • Our Directors
    • Our Legal Team
    • Our Managers
    • Our Support Team
    • Our BD Team
    • Career Opportunities
    • Testimonials
    • Community Work
  • Services
    • Schools & Education
    • NFP & Charity
    • Commercial
    • Compensation
    • Family
    • Employment & Discrimination
    • Estate & Elder
    • Criminal & Traffic
    • Litigation
    • Institutional Abuse
  • Contact
    • Welcome
      • Client Focus
      • English not your first language? We can still assist
      • Beyond Our Borders
  • Brisbane Office
  • Resources & Events
    • Resource Centre
    • Webinars & Seminars
    • Newsletters
  • Book an Appointment
  • +61 7 3252 0011

Home > Services > Family Law > Parenting Plan & Children

Parenting Plan & Children

As discussed in our article “Family Law: Formalising Agreements reached between the parties by Deeds of Settlement & Court Orders”, there are many different ways parties in a Family Law dispute are able to finalise their agreement.  One option for parenting matters is for parents to enter into a Family Parenting Plan.

What is a Parenting Plan?

Family Law Parenting Plans are written, signed and dated agreements between separated parents that deal with parenting matters. These agreements are as individual as the family involved. There is no “standard” parenting arrangement and parenting arrangements could include a number of issues such as:

  • Where a child will live and with whom;
  • What time a child will spend with other family members (such as grandparents);
  • Who will make decisions for the child and the principles for making those decisions;
  • Child maintenance matters;
  • How the parents will resolve disputes about the terms or operation of the plan and communicate with each other;
  • How to change the plan to accommodate for the changing needs of the parents and the child;
  • Any aspect of the care, welfare or development of the child including key issues such as:
    • When and how a child will communicate with their parents;
    • Where the parents will pick up and drop off a child;
    • How the child will be disciplined;
    • What school a child will attend;
    • What medical arrangements will be made for a child;
    • Arrangements for Christmas, Birthdays and special occasions; and
    • Special arrangements necessary because of the child’s needs.

When can we enter into Parenting Plans?

Parenting plans may be entered into at any time during a parenting dispute. They can be entered into before or during legal proceedings.

They can also be varied or revoked by the parties through written consent.

Why should we enter into Parenting Plans?

Parenting plans are a generally cost-effective solution to resolving parenting matters without proceeding through Court proceedings. They also tend to be more flexible than Consent Orders. If the parenting relationship breaks down further and Court Proceedings are commenced, the Court will also consider any Parenting Plan entered into between the parents.

However, one of the disadvantages of Parenting Plans is that they are not enforceable by the Court, unlike Consent Orders, where a contravention application can be made if the Consent Orders are breached.

What is the process for entering into Parenting Plans?

It will firstly be important to negotiate the terms of the Parenting Plan. Parenting matters are often emotionally charged, and drafting terms of the agreement that are clear, concise, and able to last the test of time is an art. We do recommend that you obtain legal advice from a suitably experienced lawyer. This will help you to include all of the matters that should be included.

Understanding the practical meaning of the terms of the Parenting Plan is an important next step, so that the parties are able to carry out their agreement.

If a Parenting Plan deals with child maintenance matters, you may need to consider entering into a Binding Child Support Agreement as well.

Should we enter into a Parenting Plan?

While Parenting Plans can be an effective way to resolve a Family Law Parenting dispute, it may not the best option in all circumstances.

If you would like to make an enquiry regarding Parenting Plans, please call one of our Business Development Officers today to make an appointment with one of our Brisbane Family Lawyers to discuss whether Parenting Plans might suit your personal circumstances.

 

You might find these pages useful...

  • Family Lawyer Brisbane - fixed fee conference - parenting and property
  • Child Support Assessment Process
  • Family Law: Property Settlement Documents Checklist
  • First steps after separating & Tips for meeting with a family lawyer
  • Parenting Arrangements Fact Sheet
  • Spousal Maintenance Brisbane Lawyers - Fact Sheet
  • Top 10 Family Law FAQs in Australia
  • Top 10 Family Law Myths & Truth
  • Locate our Office (Herston / Bowen Hills) - easy access from all parts of Brisbane - tunnels and ICB
  • Our Brisbane Family Lawyers
  • Brisbane Family Lawyers - Spousal Maintenance
  • Child Support Lawyers
  • Divorce
  • Family Law Contraventions and Breach of Orders
  • Family Law Property Division, Disputes, Settlements & Court Orders
  • Brisbane Will Lawyers

Who to contact

Fiona Manderson

Fiona Manderson
Special Counsel

Ph (07) 3252 0011

Email Fiona Manderson

Emario Welgampola

Emario Welgampola
Special Counsel

Ph (07) 3252 0011

Email Emario Welgampola

James Tan

James Tan
Senior Associate

Ph (07) 3252 0011

Email James Tan

Stay Informed

Enter your email address to sign up for our free General Newsletters and School & Education Law Review.

Be Inspired

Select an area of law and read our Just Redemptive Outcomes® Stories

Upcoming Webinars

  • 11th May, 2018
    School Law Series: How the new Notifiable Data Breach scheme affects your School
  • 16th May, 2018
    ACC: Constitutions and Governing documents – are your governing documents relevant for current times?
  • 24th May, 2018
    QB: Understanding vilification and discrimination – what can and can’t be said from the pulpit
  • 1st Jun, 2018
    School Law Series: School Arrangements with Related Charitable Entities – tips and pitfalls
  • 24th Jul, 2018
    ACC: Understanding vilification and discrimination – what can and can’t be said from the pulpit
  • 2nd Aug, 2018
    QB: Spiritual Appointments
  • 3rd Aug, 2018
    School Law Series: Legal aspects of managing a PR crisis – what you can or cannot do
  • 12th Sep, 2018
    ACC: The Difference in Governance and management – going beyond reproach and increasing meeting efficiencies
  • 24th Oct, 2018
    ACC: Church plants – legal tips for the plant
  • 2nd Nov, 2018
    School Law Series: Schools with Chaplains – are they employees or independent contractors?
  • 28th Nov, 2018
    ACC: Domestic violence within the church
  • 6th Dec, 2018
    QB: Domestic violence within the church

Just Redemptive Outcomes

Call us on (07) 3252 0011

Site built by Tailored Media Sitemap

Terms of Use Copyright © 2018 Corney & Lind Lawyers Pty Ltd.

ABN: 60 161 541 500 All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • About
    • Our Directors
    • Our Legal Team
    • Our Managers
    • Our Support Team
    • Our BD Team
    • Career Opportunities
    • Testimonials
    • Community Work
    • Back
  • Services
    • Family
    • Compensation
    • Employment & Discrimination
    • School & Education
    • Charity & Not-for-Profit
    • Commercial
    • Estate & Elder
    • Criminal & Traffic
    • Litigation
    • Institutional Abuse
    • Back
  • Resource Centre
  • Webinars
  • Contact
  • 07 3252 0011