Going through a separation or divorce can be a challenging time, especially when there are children involved. It’s critical to find a resolution that prioritises the best interests of the child or children. Thankfully, Australian family law provides various pathways to achieve this, and as some of the best family lawyers on the Gold Coast, we’re here to guide you through them.
There are plenty of out-of-court options you can explore to reach an agreement on how your child or children will spend time with each parent. These include:
1. Negotiating between yourselves.
2. Attending a private mediation.
3. Consulting with a family consultant.
4. Seeking help from a service like Relationships Australia.
5. Retaining a lawyer to provide advice, strategy, and assist in negotiating a positive outcome.
At Collective Family Law, we believe in avoiding lengthy court proceedings whenever possible. As your dedicated child custody lawyers on the Gold Coast, we support parents who can reach an agreement amicably and at minimal cost.
However, there’s one critical area that often goes overlooked: the legal finalisation of agreements. Many families reach amicable agreements but fail to have these agreements legally endorsed. They might settle for a parenting plan or a verbal agreement on the child’s or children’s time management.
But here’s what you need to know: Unless the agreement for custody and time spent with each parent is finalised by way of filed consent orders, these agreements are not legally binding. This means the parenting agreement can change, affecting the child’s time with the separated parents.
We’ve witnessed many instances where clients from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, undergoing separation or divorce, initially felt they didn’t need to sign consent orders due to their amicable relationship. Unfortunately, they often find themselves revisiting the entire custody process months or even years later when circumstances change and amicability fades.
Without consent orders, there is no certainty. Consent orders don’t cost much but provide invaluable peace of mind. They set clear guidelines for co-parenting, offering both your children and you certainty about the future. If you have an agreement for co-parenting, we highly recommend obtaining consent orders.
As your reliable family law solicitors on the Gold Coast, we offer fixed fee solutions, ensuring you know the cost of the parenting orders upfront before you embark on this process.
So, if you’re navigating a separation or divorce, and you’re looking for family law firms on the Gold Coast that offer free consultation, consider reaching out to Collective Family Law. Whether you need help with a de facto prenuptial agreement in Australia, a de facto property settlement in Queensland, or crafting a parenting agreement in Queensland, we’re here to help.
For more information, visit our website at collectivefamilylaw.com.au or call us on (07) 5574 0971 to book a free consultation. We aim to provide you with the best legal support and advice during this challenging time.
