Australian Parenting Plan
Separation can be painful for everyone involved, especially children. During this challenging time, children need support, love and future certainty with both of their parents and other significant people, such as grandparents.
The family law system encourages separating parents to work out arrangements for children between themselves without having to go to court.
One way by which parents can set out the arrangements they wish to put in place for their children is to make a Parenting Plan. A Parential Plan is a written agreement between parents covering practical issues of parental responsibility. This Parenting Plan can then be made legally binding into Parenting Consent Orders, if the parties wish to do so. Click here to find out more about the ‘Importance of a Parenting Plan.’
Why Choose Simple Separation?
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Cost-effective and quicker pathway to separate. Our fixed pricing saves couples thousands in legal fees. (4 - 8 week average timeframe).
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A guided & personalised service from start to finish, so you can separate with less stress and feel supported along the way.
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A fair and child-focused process that assists couples reach agreements respectfully with minimal conflict, in turn preserving the wellbeing of you and your family.
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Accessible Australia-wide in country, rural and metro areas.
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One-stop shop service offering a range of services from our preferred panel, of third party providers, eg Conveyancers, Estate planners, Family Law mediators and lawyers.
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All legal advice and agreements provided by independent Family Law solicitors committed to preventing a lengthy legal battle.
Simple Separation assists families with their children’s arrangements in 3 simple ways:
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Parenting Plan
Suited to amicable parents striving for a solid co-parenting relationship.
Simple Separation works with you to create a detailed and child-centred Parenting Plan, that covers the practical considerations of your child(ren)’s life.
We work with one or both parents to draft a Parenting Plan that is legal and represents the verbal agreement between parents relating to parenting arrangements, that are in the best interests of children.
02
Family Dispute Resolution (Mediation)
Suited to parents who require third party & impartial assistance in reaching agreement.
Simple Separation assists parents resolve parenting disputes through Family Law mediation. Click here on ‘How to Get the best out of mediation.’
Once agreement is reached, we work with the parties on a Parenting Plan that is legal and represents the party’s parenting arrangements, that are in the best interests of children.
If you would like to make your parenting arrangements legally enforceable, you can do so by way of Consent Orders. Ask one of our friendly staff on how to make this possible.
please note if mediation is unsuccessful, both parties are provided with a S60i certificate, which is required to initiate a children’s matter in the Federal Circuit and Family Court.
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Legal Representation
Suited to parties in high conflict or when mediation is unsuccessful.
Simple Separation will assist in helping you retain one of our preferred solicitors to act for you, draft court documents, receive legal advice and initiate legal action if necessary.
Is Simple Separation right for me?
Book a FREE 30 minute consultation with us today!
FAQs
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A Parenting Plan is a written agreement between parents covering practical issues of parental responsibility. A Parenting Plan puts the best interests of the child(ren) first. It is drawn up in goodwill with a shared commitment to your children and their future firmly in mind. The plan will detail practical decisions about children’s care in such areas as; education, living arrangements, finances, religion, medical and travel. A Parenting Plan is not legally enforeceable but is a legal document that can be relied on as evidence in court if necessary.
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If both parents agree on children’s arrangements, Simple Separation can assist in making the Parenting Plan into legally binding Parenting you in obtaining the services of a family law solicitor to draft Parenting Consent Orders, in the terms of the Parenting Plan. This gives the Parenting Plan the same legal effect as an order made by a court.
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If you cannot agree on arrangements for children, your only option is to have the Family Court decide and issue you a Parenting Order, whereby the judge makes the decision for you. You have the option of obtaining legal representation or run your own case. Read blog on Self-Representation. Contact Simple Separation to find out more about preparing your own court documents and running your own case, avoiding the financial strain of legal fees.
