A divorce or separation is a stressful time as is, but when there are children involved, an extra level of stress is added over. Questions like “What will happen to the children?” and “How will they be affected by the separation?” arise. The answers to these questions lie in the different kinds of parenting arrangements to choose from and the one you opt for.
The decision you make depends on whether both parties involved are on amicable terms or not. Hiring an experienced family lawyer can help you make this decision and draw out the parenting arrangements, too.
Platinum Lawyers Sydney has some of the best family lawyers who are not only qualified but also understanding and reliable when it comes to dealing with your legal problems. We have expert legal consultants who not only understand every nook and hidden clause of legislation, but are also empathetic enough to understand your troubles during the difficult time of separation.
To help you understand some of the basic parenting arrangements, our expert Family Lawyers in Sydney have put together some important notes for you. Please note that you would need support and legal help of a Family Lawyer, so don’t take this information as the bible and visit Platinum Lawyers for more tailored solutions to your problems.
The parenting arrangements, you can opt for, fall in the following categories:
Informal Arrangements
An informal arrangement is when parties who are on amicable terms come to a verbal agreement on how the child will be parented. This agreement is not legally binding, has no written form and is not reviewed over by lawyers.
With such unenforceable arrangements, there is no guarantee that the arrangement will hold in the future when the relationship between the parties can change. It is thus recommended to have a skilled lawyer oversee the arrangement and come up with a more durable and reliable arrangement.
Parenting Plan
A parenting plan is similar to the informal arrangement in that it is also an amicable arrangement between both parties. However, unlike informal arrangements, parenting plans are written contracts drawn up and mutually agreed upon by both parties. You’re not required to go to the court to make a parenting plan and there are no such guidelines on how the plan should be drawn.
Consent Orders
Consent orders also involve the agreement of both the parties and are written documents too. They are different from parenting plans, however, in that they require the court to approve the orders. The court will first check if the orders are in the best interest of the child and will then make them legally binding.
The advantage for consent orders is that since they are legally binding, a breach of contract will have legal ramifications.
Parenting Orders
Parenting orders are made by the court in a situation, where both parties cannot come to an agreement. In this case, the court will make all the decisions and come up with a legally enforceable parenting order that is in the best interest of the child. This will help ensure the safety and healthy growth of the child.
If you need help or legal advice over setting up a parenting arrangement, call Platinum Family Lawyers for better legal advice at (02) 8084 2764. today.
