Parenting after divorce or separation might feel overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to become a legal battle. At BGM Family Lawyers, our Parenting Agreement Lawyers help parents reach clear, cooperative solutions that protect their children’s well-being.
We focus on resolving parenting matters out of court wherever possible. Through thoughtful negotiation and tailored advice, we help you seek legal advice, save time, reduce legal costs, and minimise emotional strain. Our experienced team ensures you make confident, informed decisions that prioritise your children’s best interests.
Free 15-minute consultationA parenting agreement lawyer assists parents in creating and formalising arrangements after separation. These agreements outline how children will live, spend time, and communicate with each parent.
Our family dispute resolution practitioners help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities, guide you through mediation, and draft legally enforceable documents such as parenting plans or consent orders. The goal is to achieve a calm, workable outcome that provides children with stability and both parents with clarity.
The Family Law Act 1975 outlines the principles governing parenting arrangements and parental responsibility in Australia. It emphasises that children have the right to maintain a meaningful relationship with both parents, provided it’s safe to do so.
Under the Act, both parents share duties and responsibilities to make decisions about schooling, healthcare, and other key aspects of a child’s life. Our Parenting Agreement Lawyers can explain how the Family Law Act applies to your situation and help you comply with your obligations.
Every family is unique, which is why parenting arrangements need to reflect each child’s individual needs and family circumstances. These arrangements can cover:
Our lawyers will help you design practical parenting arrangements after separation that focus on child support, safety and long-term well-being.
Our family lawyers specialise in all aspects of parenting matters, including mediation, parenting plans, consent orders, and advice on complex issues like relocation or family violence.
We believe in early, proactive legal advice to prevent disputes from escalating. By helping parents understand their rights and responsibilities from the start, we make the entire process smoother, faster, and more cost-effective.
Sometimes, informal agreements aren’t enough. When disputes persist, you may need to apply for a parenting order through the Family Court or Federal Circuit Court.
A parenting order is legally enforceable, ensuring both parents meet their obligations. It can address living arrangements, schooling, communication, and other day-to-day matters.
Before filing, parents are generally required to attend Family Dispute Resolution. Our lawyers will guide you through this process and, if necessary, represent you in court proceedings to help you achieve a fair and sustainable outcome.
Many people still refer to “child custody,” but Australian family law focuses on parental responsibility rather than ownership or rights. The court looks at what’s in the children’s best interests, not a 50/50 split of time.
Our child custody lawyers can explain your options for shared care, including flexible living schedules that support your child’s stability. Whether you’re negotiating arrangements privately or through mediation, we’ll help you reach an agreement that’s realistic, respectful, and centred on your child’s needs.
At BGM Family Lawyers, we pride ourselves on being approachable, practical, and focused on real outcomes. Our clients choose us because we help them save time, money, and unnecessary conflict while protecting their children’s well-being.
We specialise in resolving disputes out of court and through Family Dispute Resolution, negotiation, or arbitration – helping good clients make sound decisions that last.
What are my rights to see my children?
Under Australian family law, parents don’t have automatic “rights” – children do. The Family Law Act 1975 focuses on the children’s best interests, not on equal time or ownership. Unless there are safety concerns, it’s generally considered best for children to maintain a meaningful relationship with both parents.
The specific parenting arrangements depend on each family’s situation – including the child’s age, their relationship with each parent, and each parent’s capacity to provide care. Our Parenting Agreement Lawyers can help you understand your options and create a balanced arrangement tailored to your child’s needs.
We can’t agree – what should we do?
Court should always be a last resort. Before applying for a parenting order, parents are usually required to try Family Dispute Resolution (FDR).
An accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner helps parents communicate, identify issues, and reach a mutual agreement that supports their child’s wellbeing. Our family lawyers can help you prepare for mediation and ensure your parenting agreement or written plan accurately reflects your child’s best interests.
What if mediation doesn’t work?
If Family Dispute Resolution doesn’t result in agreement, you may need to apply to the Family Court or Federal Circuit Court for a parenting order.
Our team will provide legal advice on the best way forward, help you understand likely outcomes, and represent your interests if court proceedings become necessary. We’ll always focus on practical, cost-effective solutions first, to help you avoid unnecessary legal costs and stress.
Can grandparents or extended family be included in parenting arrangements?
Yes – grandparents and other family members can play a vital role in a child’s life. They may be included in parenting arrangements or parenting orders if it benefits the child and supports their emotional and social wellbeing.
Our Parenting Agreement Lawyers can help you explore these options and formalise arrangements through a parenting plan or consent order.
Can I change an existing Parenting Plan or Consent Order?
Yes. A parenting plan can be updated at any time if both parents agree. Changing a consent order is more complex and generally requires either mutual agreement or a significant change in circumstances since the original order was made.
Before making any changes, it’s important to seek legal advice from an experienced family lawyer to ensure your new arrangements remain legally enforceable and in your child’s best interests.
What happens if one parent breaches a Consent Order?
Breaching a consent order is serious and can have legal consequences. The Family Court may impose penalties or vary the order if one parent fails to meet their obligations.
If this occurs, contact our Parenting Agreement Lawyers as soon as possible. We’ll guide you through the next steps, help protect your rights, and work to preserve your child’s safety and stability.
If you’re facing parenting arrangements after separation, you don’t have to go through it alone. Speak with an experienced Parenting Agreement Lawyer at BGM Family Lawyers to get clear, compassionate guidance tailored to your family.
We can help you develop a parenting plan, negotiate a parenting agreement, or apply for a legally binding consent order – whatever suits your situation best.
Call our Gold Coast office today or contact us online to discuss your matter with one of our trusted family lawyers.
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