Arranging Care and Access for Children After Separation
How parents can reach arrangements that put the children first.
Working out custody and access terms (across jurisdictions)
When parents separate, deciding where the children will live and how they will spend time with each parent is often the most important and emotional issue to resolve. This article explains how care and access arrangements work and the questions parents most often ask.
The key points
Courts and mediators focus on the child’s welfare, not on which parent is right. Arrangements that parents agree between themselves usually work better and last longer than those imposed on them.
- The child’s best interests come first, including stability, schooling and their relationship with both parents
- Who the child will live with day to day, and how major decisions on education, health and religion will be made
- A practical access schedule covering weekdays, weekends, school holidays and special occasions
- Handovers, travel abroad and relocation, especially if one parent may move overseas
- Mediation or a written parenting plan as an alternative to going to court
- Arrangements can be reviewed as children grow and circumstances change
What to do next
Getting advice early helps you understand your options and keep the focus on what works for your children. Talk to us for a confidential conversation about agreeing, formalising or changing care and access arrangements.
