If you have experienced domestic and family violence, it’s important to get legal advice about what decisions the court may make about your children in your case.
A Parenting Orderis an order made by the Family Courts which can cover things like:
• who will make big long-term decisions about your children (called parental responsibility)
• how parents will communicate with each other
• how your children will communicate with the parent they aren’t with—for example by phone, Skype or email
• where your children will go to school, changing your children’s name or overseas travel.
When making Parenting Orders, the court considers what is in your child’s best interests by considering a number of factors. Protecting your child from harm, including from domestic and family violence is the main thing the court considers.
The court also considers whether there has been any domestic and family violence and any Domestic Violence Orders, as well as other factors. For more information see how does the court consider domestic and family violence?
Every case is different, so it’s important to get legal advice about your situation.
Parenting Orders are binding on the parents and can be enforced by the Family Courts.
Parents (including same-sex parents), grandparents or anyone concerned about your children’s welfare can apply for Parenting Orders.
It is important to get legal advice before you start a case in the Family Courts for Parenting Orders to find out if this is a good option for you.
