Child Custody

Child Custody Lawyers in Melbourne

When it comes to child custody, arranging care and parenting orders can be an emotional and challenging process that calls for both legal precision and considerate empathy for those involved. The main priority is always the child’s emotional and physical well-being, which means considering factors such as safety, stability, and overall welfare. These decisions must balance the child’s best interests with fairness to all parties involved, while complying with the law. With the right guidance, experienced child custody lawyers in Melbourne can help you understand your options and work towards resolving parenting matters in a practical, respectful, and amicable way.

At Schetzer Papaleo Family Lawyers, our team of expert family and relationship lawyers works diligently to achieve the optimal outcome for your family, particularly for your child, during these challenging times.

How Child Custody Works in Victoria

Under the Family Law Act 1975, child custody in Australia is referred to as “parental responsibility.” This means having the legal authority to make important long-term decisions about a child’s life. These decisions can include where the child goes to school, their medical care, where they live, and other major aspects of their upbringing. The law focuses on what is in the child’s best interest, and, generally, this means the involvement of both parents. However, the living and spending time arrangements with each parent can change if there are serious concerns about a child’s safety, such as abuse, neglect, or family violence that is presented and proven.

As any good child custody lawyer can agree on, the paramount consideration in proceeding is always the well-being of the child, with parenting decisions being primarily guided by this principle. As such, care arrangements and parenting orders significantly consider the benefit of both parents having a meaningful relationship with their child, the overall safety of the child in their living environment, and the ability of each parent to meet the child’s emotional and physical needs. These considerations help ensure the best possible outcome for the child.

Pathways to agreement

Often, parenting matters can be resolved without going to court. Treating court proceedings as a last resort can help protect children from unnecessary stress or trauma, give parents more control over decisions, and save time and money. Before applying to court, families are usually encouraged to try open communication, negotiation, and dispute resolution, except in urgent situations or cases involving family violence. Getting legal advice early from a child custody lawyer can help you understand the process and feel more confident moving forward. It can also make it easier to navigate the complex and sensitive issues that often arise in these matters, helping families reach practical and balanced solutions.

Mediation & Consent Orders

To resolve issues before applying to court, mediation enables parents to discuss arrangements and other parenting issues in a neutral environment, assisted by a trained mediator. When a child custody lawyer is involved, they can support parents to ensure that the proposals put forward are practical, legally appropriate, and most importantly, child-focused.

Once an agreement has been reached, a Consent Order can be clearly and specifically detailed and signed to make the informal agreement legally binding and thus enforceable in family court.

Our Approach to Parenting Matters

At Schetzer Papaleo Family Lawyers, our approach to child custody and parenting matters is centred on being child-focused, strategic, and practical. We work with parents to develop realistic proposals that support their child’s developmental needs, while also taking into account everyday considerations such as work schedules, living arrangements, schooling, and other important factors. From the outset, the safety of children and parents is one of our highest priorities. If any risks are identified early, we can help put temporary arrangements in place to provide stability and protection while longer-term solutions are explored and developed. Following defined timelines, Schetzer Papaleo provides tailored legal advice that reflects your individual circumstances, ensuring you receive focused and reliable support throughout the process.

Preparing For Your First Meeting

Preparing useful information for your initial consultation can help your child custody attorney give tailored, effective advice from the onset.

Here are some things you can prepare ahead of time:

• Any immediate concerns about the safety of the child or family, along with evidence
• Current parenting and care arrangements
• Any Orders made concerning the parents or the child, including Family Violence Orders or Family Law Orders
• Each parent’s work schedule and availability
• Schooling and childcare details of the child
• Any travel or relocation issues

Having a clear understanding of your current situation helps your child custody lawyer/attorney develop an appropriate strategy that effectively and efficiently addresses the concerns of all parties involved.

Secure a Child-Focused Parenting Plan: Book Your Strategy Session

Every family’s situation is unique, which means each case needs a personalised approach that takes all relevant details into account. Schetzer Papaleo Family Lawyers can give you the right legal advice to reach child-focused agreements efficiently and respectfully.

Move toward a secure parenting plan that prioritizes your child’s well-being by booking a strategy session with Schetzer Papaleo Family Lawyers. Call us at +61 3 8602 2000 or email us at admin@spfamilylawyers.com.au today.