Children & Parenting Arrangements in Brisbane, QLD
Putting Your Child’s Best Interests First
Experienced Family Lawyers helping you navigate custody and parenting matters.
When relationships break down, one of the most important—and often emotional—issues to resolve is parenting arrangements for children. At KLM Solicitors, with offices conveniently located in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, we’re here to guide you through the legal process with clarity, compassion, and a focus on what matters most: your child’s wellbeing.
What Are Parenting Arrangements?
Parenting arrangements (commonly referred to as child custody) set out how separated parents will care for their children. This includes decisions around:
Where the child will live
Time spent with each parent
Education and medical care
Religious and cultural upbringing
Communication between the child and each parent
In Australia, the law does not use the terms "custody" or "access" anymore. Instead, it focuses on parental responsibility and spending meaningful time with both parents, where safe and appropriate, taking into account each individual families needs.
The Legal Framework in Australia
Under the Family Law Act 1975, the best interests of the child are the paramount consideration. This means that:
Children have the right to a meaningful relationship with both parents
Children must be protected from harm, abuse, or neglect and domestic and family violence
Parental conflict should be minimised
Unless there are concerns around safety or wellbeing including domestic violence, the court often encourages shared parenting responsibility and time spent with both parents.
How We Can Help
At KLM Solicitors, family law solicitors assist clients with:
NEGOTIATING PARENTING PLANS AND AGREEMENTS
FORMALISING ARRANGEMENTS THROUGH CONSENT ORDERS
REPRESENTING PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS IN FAMILY COURT PROCEEDINGS
URGENT APPLICATIONS INVOLVING SAFETY OR RELOCATION OF CHILDREN
MATTERS INVOLVING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OR RISK TO CHILDREN
Whether you want to reach a cooperative agreement or need strong representation in complex disputes, we provide strategic, child-focused legal advice every step of the way.
Parenting Plans vs Court Orders
We help parents understand their options:
Parenting Plan: A written agreement between parents, not legally enforceable
Consent Orders: Court-approved arrangements that are legally binding
Parenting Orders: Court-decided arrangements when parents can’t agree
We’ll work with you to choose the most appropriate path for your family.
Parenting arrangements are separate from child support. If you need advice about child support assessments, agreements or disputes, learn more about how our child support lawyers can help.
Related Parenting Articles
Separating parents often have questions about child custody and parenting arrangements. This guide explains parenting plans, consent orders, parental responsibility, and when to seek legal advice.
Separation can feel overwhelming when children are involved. Our Brisbane child custody lawyers provide clear, practical advice on parenting arrangements, parenting plans and court orders, always prioritising your child’s safety, stability and wellbeing.
When separation involves domestic or family violence, children’s safety is paramount. This article explains how family violence affects parenting arrangements and how KLM Solicitors can help.
