Child Custody
With the breakdown of a relationship, determining the living arrangements of children is often the most emotionally charged issue at hand. At some stage, child custody arrangements will need to be defined. If the parents are unable to negotiate their own arrangements, the Court will make a determination on the matter.
While you will want to obtain the best result for your children, negotiations regarding these issues with your ex-partner can be extremely stressful. This is where our child custody lawyers can help.
Your Child Custody Lawyers
Separation and divorce are very difficult times, especially so when children’s lives and parenting arrangements are at stake. Movement Legal’s team of experienced child custody lawyers are here to give you advice, options, and obtain the fairest result possible. We are here to make sure that your children get the outcome that is in their best interest.
Have the Best Child Custody Lawyers on your Corner with Movement Legal
At Movement Legal, we understand that child custody arrangements and disputes can be emotionally challenging. Our team of experienced child custody lawyers is here to provide you with the guidance and support you need to navigate this difficult time. With decades of combined experience in Australian family law, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you develop comprehensive child custody arrangements that protect your children's best interests.
Cost Certainty
We provide our clients with certainty and transparency on our legal fees. Wherever we can, we will quote you a fixed fee, rather than charging you by the hour.
Fast turnaround times
We will come back to you promptly with clear directions as to how we can help you and your matter. We prioritise communication with our clients to bring maximum efficiency into play.
Family law experts
We can help you with any aspect of family law - including advice around divorce and separation, child custody, property and financial arrangements, financial agreements, and more.
What Our Clients Have to Say
Andrew:
I engaged Ezra and his team in 2024 for a very challenging and complex property settlement. From day one, Ezra was both professional and empathetic, and he maintained this rare combination throughout the entire process.
Ezra has a unique ability to connect with his clients and instil confidence that their case is being handled with the care and attention to detail it deserves.
I’m very happy with the outcome and would not hesitate to recommend Ezra for any legal matters.
Alf:
I recently engaged Movement Legal and found them to be prompt, their understanding and approach consistent and empathetic to what can be a highly emotional situation.
The logical approach to my situation ensured I knew what the outcomes would be and managed realistic outcomes. I was extremely impressed in the approach and would strongly suggest Ezra and the team.
Johanne:
Ezra was professional, polite, efficient, yet dilligent. He found a way to do things which was the most affordable I'd been offered without compromising the legality and thoroughness of the process. Personally, I was very happy with my experience, and if I ever have to use a lawyer again - oy! - I'll be going back to him.
Stephanie:
Ezra was a delight to work with - he was easygoing, straightforward and had good suggestions.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
How can I engage Movement Legal?
To begin, simply reach out to us via our contact form or phone. We aim to respond promptly, usually within an hour during business hours. After this, we'll schedule a brief 5 to 20-minute conversation to understand your situation and objectives.
Can I transition to your firm if I'm currently working with another lawyer?
If you are contemplating a change in legal representation, we can manage the process of obtaining your case files from your current attorney on your behalf.
Do I need to visit your office for meetings?
If preferred, there's no need to make the journey to our physical office. We are fully equipped to conduct meetings with you through various remote options, including phone calls, WhatsApp, Zoom, or Google Meet.
What is meant by child custody?
Child custody refers to the legal authority to make decisions regarding a child's upbringing, encompassing aspects such as their living arrangements, education, and healthcare.
In Australia, child custody is commonly referred to as "parental responsibility."
What factors does the court consider?
The court takes into account the best interests of the child, guided by the Family Law Act. Various factors are considered, including the child's meaningful relationship with each parent, safety, cultural and religious background, age, and other pertinent considerations.
Will I have to share custody with my former partner?
Upon separation, both parents retain shared parental responsibility for the child.
This entails joint responsibility for aspects like healthcare, lifestyle, education, and religion.
It doesn't necessarily entail equal time-sharing between parents. There are no rigid rules, but the court's decision hinges on the child's best interests.
Will the court consult the child's preference for living arrangements?
In cases of separated parents, the court may inquire about the child's living preferences. The child's perspective can also be conveyed through an independent child solicitor.
What is a parenting plan?
A parenting plan is a documented agreement between parents outlining how they will care for their children.
It covers matters like living arrangements, school holidays, communication, and various aspects of a child's life. While it is signed by the child's parents and dated, a parenting plan lacks legal enforceability.
What is a parenting order?
A parenting order is issued by the courts when parents cannot reach an agreement on parental arrangements. It specifies how the children will be cared for following separation between co-parents.
These parenting orders are legally binding and must be adhered to.
Can child custody arrangements be modified?
Yes, child custody arrangements can be altered if there is a substantial change in circumstances that affects the child's best interests. Such changes can include alterations in living conditions, the child's health or education needs, or the parents' ability to provide care. A child custody lawyer can assist you in applying to the court for modifications or alterations to an existing child custody arrangement or in seeking to remove parental responsibility from a parent.
