When it comes to parenting arrangements, having a local trusted child custody lawyer here in Sydney can make all the difference. Someone that can provide reassurance and clarity, truly listens to you, and has a proven track record of achieving successful outcomes.
At Watts McCray, our team of family law child custody experts and accredited specialists in family law understand that nothing is more important than your child’s wellbeing. And it’s our goal to help you achieve that in your parenting arrangements.
Whether you’re looking to negotiate a parenting agreement due to a change in your relationship, apply for parenting orders or get some advice and guidance about your rights and responsibilities, our child custody lawyers in Sydney are here to guide you.
We’re proud to be known for our empathy, professionalism and strategic legal approach – and have supported hundreds of Sydney families through what can often be an emotionally uncertain time. Because every situation is different, we work closely with you to create parenting arrangements that reflect your family’s unique needs while keeping your child’s best interests at the centre of every decision.
Common parenting issues we help with
Parenting arrangements can touch many areas of life, from practical decisions to legal formalities and financial support. Our team of child custody lawyers in Sydney are dedicated to helping guide you through it all with care and compassion.
- Child custody matters. Guidance and representation for all matters relating to the custody of children, including disputes and relocations.
- Parenting orders. These are legal orders made by the court about parenting arrangements. We can help you apply for or respond to these orders, as needed.
- Parenting plans. We can assist in drafting legally sound parenting plans that reflect your family’s unique needs and priorities.
- Child support matters. Whether you’re paying or receiving child support, we offer advice to help you understand your obligations and options.
- Child support assessments. We can assist you with reviewing, negotiating or even disputing a child support assessment made by Services Australia.
More than just parenting arrangements
Parenting arrangements often overlap with other areas of family law. And at Watts McCray our team can support you across the full spectrum of family law legal matters. Whether you’re early in your separation journey or finalising complex financial arrangements we can help.
- Divorce and separation
- Property and financial settlements
- Spousal maintenance
- Relocation and travel disputes
- Family violence and safety concerns
- Grandparents’ rights
- Alternative dispute resolution
How child custody decisions are made in Australia
In Australia, the law doesn’t automatically grant 50/50 custody when a couple splits. The custody of children is decided on what’s in their best interests, and this is the principle that guides all parenting decisions made by the Family Court.
Of course, you and your ex can agree on how to split custody. And in that case, you can set up that agreement through an informal parenting arrangements or written parenting plan. If you cannot agree you will have to apply to the Court for a decision.
When making any custody determinations, the Court will consider certain factors. These include:
- First and foremost, the best interests of the child
- The need to protect the child from harm and ensure their ongoing safety
- The child’s views (which may be expressed via an independent children’s lawyer)
- The emotional, psychological, cultural and developmental needs of the child
- Each parent’s ability to meet those needs
- The benefit of a child having a meaningful relationship with both parents
- Any other relevant factors specific to the family and child
It’s important to note that there’s no presumption of equal time for parents when it comes to making a custody decision. All decisions will be made based on what arrangement best serves the child’s interests.
Parenting arrangements, parenting orders and parenting plans
Custody arrangements can take several forms.
- Parenting arrangements. This is a general term to describe any agreement about the care of the children. If you just enter into an informal parenting arrangement with your ex this means that you simply agree on their ongoing care, without a formalised parenting plan or court order.
- Parenting plans. A parenting plan is a written agreement that outlines the parenting arrangements agreed to by you and your former partner. They’re not legally enforceable, but they do show shared intention and are often used as a foundation for more formal court orders if they’re later needed.
- Parenting orders. Parenting orders are legally binding decisions made by the Family Court. These may be made by consent (if both parties agree and submit the arrangement for the Court’s approval)
Our process
At Watts McCray Sydney, we’ve refined our process to keep things simple, straightforward and clear for you at every stage of your matter. We know this can be an uncertain and even challenging time, and our goal is to make your matter go as smoothly as possible.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1. Book your initial consultation
During this confidential meeting we get to know you and your unique family situation. We’ll listen to your circumstances, help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities and outline the rest of the process, including timelines and expected costs.
Step 2. Case assessment and strategy
We undertake a full analysis of your situation and develop a clear strategy for achieving the best outcomes for your child.
Step 3. Negotiation and mediation
Many parenting disputes can be resolved without having to go to Court. Our lawyers are skilled in negotiation and alternative dispute resolution and can help you reach an agreement with your former partner where possible.
Even if you do need to go to Court, you will often be required to attend mediation first. We can help you with that process.
Step 4. Documentation and legal formalities
We draft and review parenting plans, consent orders and other legal documentation to formalise any parenting arrangements. We can submit these to the Court for approval as well.
Step 5. Representation in Court
If needed, we can represent you in the Family Court as your advocates. In parenting arrangements, you will often be required to attend as well, but we’ll be there to manage the process and guide you every step of the way.
Step 6. Finalisation and follow-up
We make sure your arrangements are finalised and enforceable, where necessary and possible.
Step 7. Ongoing support and advice
We’re here to answer any questions, explain the processes and offer reassurance throughout your journey. Our goal is to make the process smooth and easy for you and get the best parenting arrangements in place for you and your family.
How Watts McCray’s Sydney-based family lawyers can help you
Our team of experts go above and beyond a standard family law service, by thoroughly understanding your unique situation and respecting your time throughout the process.
We provide practical, specialised services, that result in a high level of success, support and security throughout the family law process. Because we only work with a limited number of clients, we’re able to deeply understand your needs, give tailored advice and provide solid support for your family’s unique circumstances.
Where you’ll find us in Sydney
Our office sits in the heart of the Sydney CBD, just a one-minute walk from Town Hall Station, a five-minute walk from Museum Station and close to major bus routes on Elizabeth and Liverpool Streets. There are also secure parking stations nearby.
Watts McCray Family Lawyers Sydney
Level 7, Suite 702
570 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Contact details
Phone: 1300 516 443
FAQs
The cost depends on the issues in dispute, the complexity of the case and the length of time your matter takes. Some issues can be resolved in the matter of months. Sometimes disputes can go on for much longer.
At Watts McCray we’ll set out our estimated costs in your client agreement and will keep an open dialogue with you every step of the way. You’ll always know what to expect when it comes to our fees and any other costs. And we’ll be sure to give you the best work for the best value at all times.
The Family Court always makes orders based on ‘the best interest of the child’. Because of this, there is no bias towards either mothers or fathers having custody or joint custody. Either may be awarded sole or joint custody and either may be denied it.
The Family Court will decide after hearing the evidence from each of the parents. Sometimes, in complex cases, it may also appoint a separate lawyer to represent the child.
The welfare of the child is always of paramount importance. If the parties can’t agree on where the children will live, the Family Court will decide taking all of the evidence and relevant factors into consideration. In some cases, the Family Court may require that the children be separately represented by their own lawyer.
Our Watts McCray lawyers have a high level of experience and expertise in relation to children’s matters, parenting arrangements and child custody cases.
Contact our Specialist Family Law Team
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