Child Custody Lawyer Sydney

In the Family Law Act, joint custody or equal shared parental responsibility means that both parents have legal rights and responsibilities towards the child. It doesn’t mean that the child will spend half of their time with one parent and half with the other, but that each parent has an equal say in decisions relating to the child in areas such as health and education. Even if the child lives with the other parent you may still have joint custody. 

No, it doesn’t. The law ensures that the best interests of the child are served first. When considering what is in the children’s best interests, the court has to consider facilitating a meaningful relationship between the children and both of their parents and also to protect the child from forms of harm such as physical or psychological harm. If the court is to provide equal shared responsibility then it will also consider whether equal time is in the best interests of the children and whether it’s practical. Rather than equal time, for example, the court may order substantial and significant time be spent with the other parent, which might translate to be 4 nights per fortnight rather than 7. 

As child custody lawyers in Sydney experienced in the family law process we can advise you in regard to the complexities of your specific situation as well as guide you through what can be a stressful and confusing process. We can help take the heat out of a difficult emotional situation and negotiate on your behalf to obtain the best possible result for your children before child custody matters go to court. And if it comes to court proceedings, we are highly familiar with the court system and can use our experience to your advantage.