Negotiating parenting arrangements after separation can be challenging, particularly when emotions are high and your children’s future is at stake.
Whether you need to draft a parenting plan, help navigating a custody dispute or assistance with an urgent Court representation, our team of expert parenting lawyers and accredited specialists in family law are ready to help with guidance, support and empathy.
We work with you to make the process as smooth and easy as possible, because at Watts McCray in Parramatta, we understand that nothing matters more than your children. We’re here to protect their wellbeing while securing a fair outcome for you and your family.
How we help
We assist with every aspect of post-separation parenting, including:
- Parenting arrangements (sometimes called custody agreements)
- Parenting plans and parenting orders
- Parental responsibility and decision-making rights
- Child support matters, including child support assessments and binding support agreements
- Enforcement and variation of existing parenting orders
- Urgent recovery orders and relocation issues
- Parenting disputes involving domestic or family violence
- Navigating co-parenting challenges
Our goal is to provide expert support to families across Parramatta and Western Sydney with any child custody arrangements or needs.
Our process
Every family is different, and every family law matter is unique. Our process ensures that we understand your particular situation so we can provide you with the best advice, care and support.
1. Initial consultation
During our first consultation we’ll discuss your situation, your priorities, your children and what’s in their best interest. We’ll also discuss the legal and non-legal options available to you.
2. Case assessment and custody strategy
We’ll assess the details of your situation, including any concerns around safety, communication or relocation, and develop a strategy tailored to your unique circumstances.
3. Negotiation or family dispute resolution
Where appropriate, we’ll seek to work with your ex-spouse through negotiation or family dispute resolution like mediation to reach a custody agreement without having to go to Court.
4. Documentation
We’ll draft or review your parenting plan or consent order to make sure it’s practical, fair and legally sound. If necessary, we can also apply to the Court for parenting orders.
5. Court representation (if required)
If an agreement can not be reached either through negotiation or mediation with your ex-spouse, we can represent you at Court. We will always advocate for you and your children, with a firm focus on your children’s best interests.
6. Finalisation and follow up
We will help you finalise your parenting arrangements and make sure they’re enforceable, in the case of orders. Once arrangements are settled, we are also here to guide you through any follow up steps needed.
7. Ongoing support
Parenting arrangements may need to change and adapt as your children grow. We offer ongoing support to review or amend your agreements as and when needed.
Where you’ll find us in Parramatta
Our Watts McCray Parramatta Office is located at 9 George Street Parramatta next to the Garfield Barwick Commonwealth Law Courts Building that houses both the Parramatta Family Court and the Parramatta Federal Circuit Court.
Our offices are easily accessible via the T1, T2 and T5 trains to Parramatta Station from which it’s about a five to 10-minute walk to our building. Numerous bus routes also pass by our offices, including routes 501, 525, 545 and the free CBD shuttle, 900. Exit the bus at stop George Street-MacArthur Street and you’re just a short stroll away.
If you prefer to drive, Parramatta is well-serviced by the M4 Motorway and there are convenient paid parking options close by.
Our Parramatta reception is open Monday-Friday from 08.30 – 17.30.
Watts McCray Lawyers Parramatta
Level 7, 9 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150
Contact details:
Phone: 1300 398 638
Alternatively, fill out the contact form below.
FAQs
Costs will vary depending on the issues involved and the complexity of your matter. However, we’re always careful to be clear and transparent about the scope of work we will provide and all associated fees from your initial consultation onward.
You are not required to attend Court in relation to parenting matters if you are able to resolve arrangements for your children through negotiation or family dispute resolution. However, if you are not able to come to an agreement, then you may need to apply to the Court for a parenting order.
If you are applying for parenting orders, it’s very important that you seek legal advice first in order to ensure you’re getting the best outcomes for you and your child.
There is no longer a presumption that both parents will have equal shared responsibilty for their children, Typically though, both parents will be encouraged to maintain meaningful involvement in their child’s lives. However, the Court focuses on making decisions based on the best interests of the child, including the safety of the child. And parenting arrangments will ultimately be decided based on that overriding factor. Equal responsibilty for children can be denied in situations where are safety concerns, communication breakdowns or the risk of harm.
The Court will consider a wide range of factors, including what will best promote the safety of the child and their carers, the views of the child (depending on their age),child’s relationship with each parent, the needs of the child, the ability of each parent to meet the child’s needs, and anything else relevant to the particular child.
Ultimately these factors are used by the Court to determine what’s in the best interests of the child, and this will determine their decision.
Relocation cases can be complex. If one parents wants to move away, whether to another Sydney suburb, out of Sydney, interstate or internationally, and it impacts the other parent’s time with the children, they must either get consent from that parent or seek the Court’s approval. In these situations, it’s important to get help from a family lawyer.
Parramatta is one of the most culturally diverse areas in Sydney. Our team regularly works with clients from various cultural and religious backgrounds. We can help you create a parenting agreement that respects each person’s traditions, culture and family values.
If you do need to go to Court, the Court will also take cultural background, preferences and needs into account when considering the best interests of the child.
Contact our Specialist Family Law Team
Do you have a question about family law or relationship law?
Contact us today, and a member of our team will get back to you soon.
Contact our Specialist Family Law Team
You can contact our divorce lawyers to assist you with the divorce process.
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