Children & Parenting Mediation Services
Separation can be painful for everyone involved – especially children. During this challenging time children need support, love and contact with both of their parents and other significant people, such as grandparents. Some certainty for the future is also important for everyone. The family law system encourages separating parents to work out custody arrangements for children between themselves without going to court. The best case scenario is if you and the other parent can come to an arrangement that works for everyone (in particular the children). If this is difficult for you both to do, then you can attend family mediation where the mediator can help you reach an arrangement for your children.
What is a Parenting Plan?
A parenting plan is a voluntary agreement that covers the day to day responsibilities of each parent, the practical considerations of a child’s daily life, as well as how parents will agree and consult on important long-term issues about their children. It can be changed at anytime as long as both parents agree. To be a parenting plan under the Family Law Act 1975, the plan must be made and signed by both parents of the child. A parenting plan is not legally enforceable. If you and your former partner wish to have a legally binding agreement, then you need to apply to the Family Court of WA for Consent Orders. This can be done through your solicitor or by completing a Consent Order Form available on the Family Court WA website.
What About Grandparents?
You may be a grandparent who is caring for or raising your grandchildren. You may be a grandparent who is concerned about your grandchild’s safety or well-being. Or you may have been stopped from seeing your grandchildren and would like to know what you can do about it. The Family Law Act acknowledges the importance of children having a relationship with their grandparents. Grandparents are specifically mentioned in the Family Law Act as being able to apply to the court for orders to do with their grandchildren. If you are a grandparent and would like to talk about how you might see your grandchildren, please feel free to contact Family Matters WA.
