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Child Custody – Speak with a Child Custody Lawyer for Concise Legal Advice
Child custody is one of the most sensitive aspects of separation or divorce. Our lawyers combine empathy with deep expertise to help parents, grandparents, and families reach arrangements that prioritise children’s wellbeing while protecting your parental rights.
We provide Australia wide legal services, offering clear and concise advice designed to help you reach workable child custody arrangements. Our experienced team understands how difficult this time can be and will guide you through every step.
Call us today to speak with a child custody lawyer who will help you understand your options.
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Child Custody in Australia
Navigating child custody matters is rarely straightforward. Every family situation is unique, but the law aims to ensure that decisions serve the best interests of the child. Our child custody lawyers can assist parents and family members across Australia, providing legal advice that balances practical needs with legal requirements.
Services We Offer:
- Parenting plans and consent orders.
- Equal shared parental responsibility and sole custody advice.
- Urgent applications in cases of family violence or child safety.
- Advocacy for grandparents and extended family.
Australian law prioritises the “best interests of the child” when deciding child custody arrangements. This principle focuses on protecting the child from harm while also supporting their right to have a meaningful relationship with both parents.
The law starts with the presumption of “equal shared parental responsibility”. This means both parents are generally expected to share decision-making about important aspects of the child’s life. However, this doesn’t always translate to equal time spent with each parent.
If parents reach an agreement, it should be documented either as a parenting plan or through consent orders. Parenting plans are flexible but not legally binding, while consent orders provide enforceable certainty.
Compassionate Legal Support
At PCL Lawyers, our role is to help you manage the legal process with compassion and clarity. Whether you’re negotiating with the other parent or need to apply to the court, our child custody lawyer team is here to assist. We focus on minimising conflict wherever possible, supporting you to make practical decisions that prioritise your child’s wellbeing.
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Parenting Plans Explained
A parenting plan is a flexible way for parents to set out the day-to-day care and child custody arrangements for a child. This agreement can outline where the child lives, how time is shared between parents, how holidays and birthdays are spent and how financial contributions will be made. Parents can also include provisions for schooling, medical care and maintaining relationships with extended family. Although not legally binding, the court may consider a parenting plan if a dispute arises later.
Consent Orders for Security
Consent orders are more formal than parenting plans. Once approved by the court, they become legally binding. They offer greater certainty for both parents and may help to reduce future disputes.
When Parents Cannot Agree
If agreement can’t be reached, you may need to attend family dispute resolution before applying to the court. Only in limited situations, such as family violence or urgent risk to the child, can this step be bypassed. Our lawyers will guide you through this process, ensuring your rights and your child’s welfare remain central.
Enquire NowWhy Choose PCL Lawyers?
- Compassionate guidance through sensitive matters.
- National support across all states and territories.
- Extensive experience with complex parenting disputes and urgent child recovery matters.
- Practical advice that balances legal requirements with your child’s needs.
Call now to discuss your options with an experienced family lawyer.
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Speak with Our Child Custody Lawyer in Australia Today
PCL Lawyers is here to help you with child custody matters Australia wide. Whether you need advice about negotiating child custody arrangements or making an application for sole responsibility, we can provide clear, compassionate guidance.
Call us today or complete our Enquiry Form to speak with a child custody lawyer that cares.
Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain full custody of a child, you must apply to the court for sole parental responsibility. This usually requires evidence that equal shared responsibility isn’t in the child’s best interests, for example in cases involving family violence or abuse.
Parenting orders are legally binding. While you should encourage your child to follow them, the court recognises that older children may express strong preferences. You should seek legal advice if difficulties arise in order to avoid breaching orders.
Parenting orders generally last until a child turns 18. However, they can be changed earlier if both parents agree or if the court decides a variation is necessary due to changed circumstances.
Yes. Family law child custody cases recognise that significant relationships extend beyond parents. Grandparents or other close relatives can apply for orders if it’s in the child’s best interests.
Providing legal services Australia-wide, with
several locations to serve you better.
Melbourne CBD
Level 14,
90 Collins Street,
Melbourne VIC 3000
Brighton
3/3 Male St,
Brighton VIC 3186,
Australia
Chadstone
Level 2 (UL40),
1341 Dandenong Road,
Chadstone VIC 3148
Dandenong
Level 10,
14 Mason Street,
Dandenong VIC 3175
Frankston
Ground Floor,
435 Nepean Highway,
Frankston VIC 3199
Moorabbin
Level 1,
441 South Road,
Moorabbin VIC 3189
Preston
Ground Floor,
84 Hotham St,
Preston VIC 3072
Sunshine
Level 5,
12 Clarke St,
Sunshine VIC 3020
Sydney CBD
Level 14, 25 Martin Place ,
Sydney NSW 2000
Parramatta
49th Floor
8 Parramatta Square
Parramatta NSW 2150
Wollongong
Level 1 ,
1 Burelli Street ,
Wollongong NSW 2500
Brisbane
Waterfront Place,
Suite 24, Level 34, 1 Eagle Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
Brookwater
Level 5, 22 Magnolia Drive
Brookwater QLD 4300
Adelaide
Level 1, 89 Pirie
Street, Adelaide
SA 5000
