Parenting Arrangements

If you are going through separation, your family will be experiencing a range of emotional and practical challenges. We understand that when children are involved, these times become particularly sensitive.

At Hamilton Thomas Lawyers, in Bentleigh East, we endeavour to reach agreements that centre around the most important consideration – your children. Parenting agreements between parents do not always need to be legally formalised, however, sometimes this is necessary to ensure a regular routine for your children without continued negotiations with your former partner. This helps to minimise the disruption to your children’s lives.

Parenting agreements can be formalised in two ways:

(1) Parenting Plans are written agreements about the child/children that is signed by the parents. It deals with who the child shall live with, how they will spend time with the other parent and parental responsibility. These agreements are flexible and may be more appropriate for children who are very young and arrangements are likely to change over a short period of time. However, parenting plans are not Court Orders and the consequences for breaching a parenting plan are not the same as per Court Orders.

(2) Court Orders are Orders that are sealed by the Court. If a Court Order is breached by either parent, there are consequences that can be enforced by the Court. Court Orders can be made by consent (without the need to attend court) or made by the Court if there is a dispute relating to parenting arrangements.

Deciding on the best option for parenting arrangements following separation requires careful consideration and advice as to the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Sharing on-going co-parenting costs - Hamilton Thomas Lawyers Partnering with HelpPay

At Hamilton Thomas Lawyers, in Bentleigh East, we know that even with formal arrangements between parents for child support, additional costs are sometimes shared between the parents for the benefit of your children.

Sending money between each other’s bank accounts is one option, however some parents like knowing exactly where their money is going. Helping solving this problem is HelpPay. An Australian company with a free to download app to share bills with all payments going direct to the company where the bill was issued, not a personal bank account. By providing a few details about a bill HelpPay creates a link and payment page to share the bill and pay. HelpPay provides transparency to parents as anyone with the link to the bill can see what the bill is for, how much is owed, when the bill is due, when money towards the bill is paid.

Receipts are also sent to the person paying after each payment. Download HelpPay’s app for free at helppay.com.au/download.

Please note that your child support obligations/rights are complex and you should promptly seek independent advice following any separation.