Child custody is more commonly referred to as ‘parental responsibility’, ‘live with’ and ‘spend time’ arrangements or by the general term ‘parenting orders’. Regardless of what it is called, future parenting arrangements are always focused on the best interests of the child/children first and foremost. That’s why you need an experienced and compassionate child custody lawyer on your side.
Fortunately, separated parents can often reach an amicable agreement about their children’s day-to-day living arrangements and long-term needs. There are no set legal requirements around this. If an agreement can be reached, it is generally advisable to have the agreement written in a parenting plan or formalised through Consent Orders, which are approved and enforceable by the Court. Your family lawyer will guide you through this process.
However, in circumstances where parents are unable to reach an agreement about their children’s live with and spend time with arrangements, there are three avenues available:
- Negotiation, with or without a lawyer
- Mediation or family dispute resolution
- Court proceedings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
In most circumstances, separating parents are required to attend mediation with a qualified family dispute resolution practitioner in an attempt to reach an agreement about child custody arrangements before commencing proceedings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Going to Court for child custody arrangements, and all the stress and cost associated with that, is almost always regarded as a last resort.
Should attempts at negotiation and/or mediation fail, the case will be brought before the Court. There are two primary considerations that the Court must assess in parenting matters, and these considerations are often reflected in any advice provided by your family lawyer:
- The benefit to a child of having a meaningful relationship with both parents; and
- The need to protect a child from risk of harm.
There are also secondary considerations, including, but not limited to, the child’s age, changes in the child’s circumstances, distance between the parties, the attitude of the parents towards the child, and the responsibilities of parenthood and/or family violence.
Our experienced family and child custody lawyers in Newcastle can help you at every stage of your parenting matter to reach an outcome that is focused on your child’s best interests.
Why Choose Conditsis Lawyers
At Conditsis Lawyers, we understand that family matters – especially those involving children—can be some of the most emotionally charged and challenging times in a person’s life. That’s why our approach is both strategic and compassionate. With over 35 years of experience serving clients across Newcastle and the Hunter region, our team of family lawyers have a deep understanding of the complexities of parenting matters and child custody disputes.
We take the time to listen, explain your options clearly, and ensure that your rights – and your child’s best interests—are protected every step of the way. Whether your matter is resolved through negotiation, mediation, or Court proceedings, we are committed to providing the highest standard of legal representation with empathy, integrity, and strength.
When you choose Conditsis, you’re not just getting a lawyer—you’re gaining a team who genuinely cares about your future and that of your children.
Next Steps
If you’re facing a parenting dispute or want advice on future child custody arrangements, don’t navigate it alone.
Call our Newcastle office today on 02 4058 5844 to book your free, no-obligation first consultation with one of our experienced family lawyers. You can contact us via our contact us form to arrange a confidential meeting at a time that suits you – either over the phone or in person at our offices on Hunter Street, Newcastle. Let’s discuss your situation, your concerns, and how we can help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
