Family Law
Children and Parenting
We assist parents by advising on, negotiating and formalising appropriate custody arrangements.
Children and Parenting Legal Services on the Mornington Peninsula
Expert Legal Guidance for Children and Parenting Matters
Navigating the legal aspects of children and parenting arrangements during separation or divorce can be challenging. At Eliza Legal, we understand the emotional complexities involved and are dedicated to helping families in Mount Eliza and across the Mornington Peninsula reach agreements that are in the best interests of their children. Our experienced family law team provides compassionate and expert legal advice, ensuring that your parenting arrangements are fair, practical, and focused on the wellbeing of your children.
Understanding Children and Parenting Arrangements
When relationships break down, making decisions about the care and welfare of children can be one of the most difficult aspects. In Australia, the Family Law Act prioritises the best interests of the child, focusing on ensuring that children have a meaningful relationship with both parents while also being protected from harm.
Key Considerations in Children and Parenting Arrangements:
- Parental Responsibility: This involves making decisions about major aspects of your child’s life, such as education, health, and religion. The law assumes that both parents will share this responsibility unless there are safety concerns.
- Living Arrangements: Deciding where your children will live, whether they will spend equal time with each parent, or if one parent will have primary custody.
- Communication: Arranging how and when children will communicate with the parent they do not live with, including during holidays and special occasions.
- Child Support: Ensuring that appropriate financial arrangements are in place to support your child’s needs.
How We Help with Children and Parenting Matters
At Eliza Legal, we offer comprehensive legal services to support you through the process of establishing or modifying children and parenting arrangements. Our approach is client-centered, focusing on achieving outcomes that are in the best interests of your children and aligned with your family’s unique needs.
Our Children and Parenting Legal Services Include:
- Initial 90-Minute Consultation: We begin by understanding your situation and discussing your concerns and goals for your children’s future and providing you with preliminary advice.
- Advice and Strategy: Our experienced lawyers provide clear, practical advice on your legal rights and options, helping you to develop a strategy that prioritises your child’s wellbeing.
- Negotiation and Mediation Support: We assist in negotiating parenting arrangements with the other parent, aiming to reach an amicable agreement without the need for court.
- Court Representation: If necessary, we represent you in court to ensure that your child’s best interests are upheld in legally binding orders.
How we can assist:
- Pre-mediation advice
- Attending mediation as your advocate
- Assisting you with parenting disputes
- Negotiating custody arrangements
- Complex parenting disputes involving diagnosed personality disorders
- Parenting disputes with neurodivergent children, including autism and ADHD
- Family violence, child abuse
- Other risk concerns including drug use
- Parental alienation
- Relocation
- Representing grandparents
- Consent Orders
- Parenting Plans
- Court proceedings
Why Choose Eliza Legal for Children and Parenting Matters?
Choosing Eliza Legal means partnering with a team that is deeply committed to supporting families through challenging times. Our local expertise and compassionate approach make us the preferred choice for clients on the Mornington Peninsula and beyond.
Experienced Family Lawyers
Our team has extensive experience in family law, particularly in children and parenting matters.
Child-Focused Approach
We prioritise the wellbeing of your children, ensuring that all decisions are made with their best interests in mind.
Personalised Service
We take the time to understand your family’s unique situation, offering tailored solutions that work for you.
Local Knowledge
As a law firm based in Mount Eliza, we understand the local community and provide advice that reflects the values and needs of families in the Mornington Peninsula.
Our Process
Step 1: Free 20-Minute Discovery Call
Speak with a family lawyer to understand how we can assist and what your options are.
Step 2: Fixed-Fee Initial Consultation ($440)
A 90-minute consultation where we’ll review your situation, provide tailored advice, and help you plan the next steps. Prior to your consult, we’ll send a 'Client Intake Form' to help us prepare and deliver the most value during your session.
Step 3: Ongoing Support
If you proceed with us, we’ll clearly outline costs and next steps. You’ll receive advice and representation tailored to your circumstances.
Children and Parenting FAQs
Have another question that hasn't been answered? Get in touch with our team and we'll help answer all your questions.
What happens if we can’t agree on parenting arrangements?
If an agreement cannot be reached, we can assist with mediation or represent you in court to secure orders that protect your child’s best interests.
Can parenting arrangements be changed?
Yes, if circumstances change, existing parenting arrangements can be modified. We can guide you through this process to ensure that any changes are in your child’s best interests.
How is child support calculated?
Child support is typically calculated based on each parent’s income, the number of children, and the amount of time each parent spends with the children. We can provide advice on how child support is determined and assist with any disputes.
Contact Eliza Legal for Children and Parenting Legal Support
If you need expert legal assistance with children and parenting matters, contact Eliza Legal today. Our experienced family law team is here to support families in Mount Eliza and the Mornington Peninsula, ensuring that your children’s best interests are always the top priority.
