Shamac Lawyers

Variation Of Family Law Orders & Agreements

Are you considering seeking to vary a family law parenting order or agreement? Perhaps your circumstances have changed, or maybe the other party is not complying with the existing order. Whatever your reasons, it’s important to understand the legal process involved and seek expert legal advice to protect your interests and those of your children.

At Shamac Lawyers we understand the complexities of family law and can provide expert legal representation and guidance to help you navigate the process of varying a parenting order or agreement. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about varying family law parenting orders, including the legal process, the factors considered by the court, and how we can assist you.

What Is A Family Law Parenting Order?

A family law parenting order is a legally binding document that sets out the arrangements for the care and welfare of a child. These orders are typically made by the court and can cover a range of issues, including parental responsibility, parenting time, and other matters related to the child’s care and welfare.

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When Can You Seek to Vary a Family Law Parenting Order?

There are a variety of circumstances in which you may wish to seek to vary a family law parenting order, such as:

  1. Your circumstances have changed since the original order was made, such as a change in employment or living arrangements.
  2. The other party is not complying with the existing order, such as failing to turn up for scheduled parenting time.
  3. The existing order is no longer in the best interests of the child, such as if the child’s needs or circumstances have changed.

How Can You Seek To Vary A Family Law Parenting Order?

There are two main ways to seek to vary a family law parenting order: by agreement, or through an appropriate court order.

Varying a Parenting Order by Agreement

If both parties are able to reach an agreement, it is possible to vary a parenting order without the need for court proceedings. In such cases, it is important to seek expert legal advice to ensure that the agreement is legally binding and in the best interests of the child.

Varying a Parenting Order through an Appropriate Court Order

If an agreement cannot be reached, it may be necessary to seek a court order to vary the existing parenting order. This can be a complex and time-consuming process, and it is important to have expert legal representation on your side to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your children.

What Factors Does the Court Consider When Varying a Parenting Order?

When considering a variation of a parenting order, the court will consider the best interests of the child as the paramount consideration. The court will take into account a range of factors, including:

  1. The child’s age, health, and wellbeing
  2. The child’s relationships with their parents, siblings, and other family members
  3. Each parent’s capacity to provide for the child’s needs, including their emotional and physical needs
  4. Any risks to the child’s safety or wellbeing 

How Can We Assist You In Varying A Family Law Parenting Order?

We understand the stress and emotional strain involved in varying a family law parenting order. That’s why we offer expert legal representation and guidance to help you navigate the process and achieve the best possible outcome for you and your children.

Our team of experienced family lawyers can assist you in the following ways:

Legal Advice And Representation

We provide expert legal advice and representation to help you navigate the process of varying a family law parenting order. We will assess your circumstances and provide you with a clear understanding of your legal rights and options. We can assist you in negotiating an agreement with the other party, or we can represent you in court proceedings to seek a variation of the existing order.

Mediation

We can assist you in resolving disputes through mediation, a voluntary and confidential process in which an independent third party assists the parties to reach an agreement. Mediation is often a faster and more cost-effective way to resolve disputes than court proceedings, and it can help to maintain a positive relationship between the parties.

Child Inclusive Mediation

We work with a child-inclusive mediator. This process involves a qualified child consultant meeting with the children to gather their views and preferences, which can then be taken into account when negotiating a new parenting order.

Parenting Plans

We can assist you in drafting a parenting plan, which is a written agreement between the parties that sets out the arrangements for the care and welfare of the child. A parenting plan can cover a range of issues, including the child’s living arrangements, schooling, and medical care, and can be used as evidence in court proceedings.

Expert Representation In Court Proceedings

If court proceedings are necessary, we can provide expert representation to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your children. Our team of experienced family lawyers has extensive experience in appearing before the Family Court and the Federal Circuit Court, and we can provide you with clear and practical advice throughout the process.

Varying a family law parenting order can be a complex and emotional process, and it is important to have expert legal representation on your side. We have a team of experienced family lawyers who can provide you with the advice and guidance you need to navigate the process and achieve the best possible outcome for you and your children.

If you are considering seeking to vary a family law parenting order, contact us today. We will assess your circumstances and provide you with clear and practical advice on your legal rights and options. With our expert legal representation and guidance, you can have peace of mind knowing that your case is in good hands.