Experienced Child Custody Lawyers Helping Melbourne Families Move Forward
When parents separate, reaching an agreement about their children's care and future can be one of the most difficult parts of the process. Questions about living arrangements, parental responsibilities, school holidays and time spent with each parent can quickly become complicated, especially when communication between parents has broken down.
At FJR Lawyers, we understand how important your relationship with your children is. Our child custody lawyers in Melbourne provide practical advice and compassionate legal support to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about parenting matters.
We assist with negotiating parenting arrangements, drafting parenting plans, preparing consent orders, resolving parenting disputes and representing parents in court where required.
Whether you're working towards an amicable parenting agreement or dealing with a complex custody dispute, our approach is focused on protecting your legal interests while keeping your children's best interests at the centre of every decision.
How Our Child Custody & Parenting Lawyers Can Help
Every family is different, and parenting arrangements should reflect the individual needs and circumstances of the children involved.
Our family lawyers provide guidance and representation across a range of parenting and child custody matters.
Child Custody & Living Arrangements
Determining where children will live and how they will spend time with each parent can be difficult following separation. We help you understand the relevant legal considerations and negotiate practical arrangements that support your children's needs, stability and wellbeing.
Parenting Plans & Consent Orders
Clear parenting arrangements can help minimise future misunderstandings and disputes. Our lawyers assist with drafting parenting plans and preparing applications for consent orders covering living arrangements, time with each parent, communication and major decisions affecting children.
Parenting Orders & Family Court Proceedings
When parents cannot reach an agreement, it may be necessary to seek parenting orders through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Our lawyers assist with preparing applications, gathering relevant evidence and representing your interests throughout parenting proceedings.
Visitation Rights & Time With Children
If you're concerned about your ability to spend time with your children after separation, we can explain your legal options. Our lawyers assist with arrangements for regular contact, overnight stays, school holidays, special occasions and other parenting matters, with your children's best interests as the priority.
Parenting Disputes & Family Mediation
Disagreements about parenting responsibilities do not always need to lead to lengthy court proceedings. We assist clients with negotiation, family dispute resolution and mediation where appropriate, helping parents explore workable arrangements and avoid unnecessary conflict.
Child Recovery & Relocation Matters
We provide legal assistance where a parent wishes to relocate with a child, there are concerns about a child being taken interstate or overseas, or a child has not been returned in accordance with existing arrangements. Our team can explain available legal remedies, including recovery orders and relevant court applications.
Changes to Existing Parenting Orders
As children grow and family circumstances change, existing parenting arrangements may no longer be suitable. We advise on options for varying parenting orders or making new arrangements where there has been a relevant change in circumstances.
Grandparents & Other Family Members' Rights
Grandparents and other people who play an important role in a child's life may seek arrangements to maintain their relationship with the child. Our lawyers provide advice about relevant family law options, including applications for parenting orders where appropriate.
Removal of the Presumption of Equal Shared Parental Responsibility
Changes that commenced on 6 May 2024 removed the previous presumption of equal shared parental responsibility. There is no automatic requirement for children to spend equal time with both parents.
Understanding Child Custody & Parenting Arrangements in Australia
Under Australian family law, parenting arrangements are determined by considering what is in the best interests of the child.
Although the term 'child custody' is widely used, Australian family law generally refers to parenting arrangements, parental responsibility and parenting orders.
The Family Law Act 1975 places the child's best interests at the centre of parenting decisions.
Our child custody and parenting lawyers can explain how the law applies to your situation and help you explore suitable arrangements for your family.
Parenting arrangements may address:
Where children live
Their primary residence and living arrangements.
Time with each parent
Weekdays, weekends, overnight stays, school holidays and special occasions.
Parental responsibility
Decision-making about important long-term matters such as education, health and religious or cultural upbringing.
Communication arrangements
How children maintain appropriate contact with parents and significant family members.
Children's safety and wellbeing
Ensuring arrangements consider safety, development and individual circumstances.
Struggling With Parenting Arrangements After Separation?
Disagreements about children can be stressful, particularly when both parents have different expectations about their future involvement.
You may benefit from speaking with a child custody lawyer if:
At FJR Lawyers, we understand that parenting disputes are deeply personal. Our team listens carefully to your concerns, explains your legal options and helps you determine an appropriate way forward.
Compassionate Legal Support for Your Family's Future
When it comes to your children, finding a family lawyer who understands your concerns and provides clear, practical advice is essential.
Experienced Family Law Team
Our family lawyers assist with a range of child custody and parenting matters, from negotiating parenting agreements to representing clients in contested court proceedings.
Child-Focused Approach
We recognise that every parenting matter affects the lives of children. Our legal advice focuses on helping you understand arrangements that prioritise their safety, wellbeing and best interests.
Personalised Legal Guidance
No two families are the same. We take the time to understand your personal circumstances, parenting concerns and priorities before recommending a legal approach.
Clear Advice & Communication
We explain your rights, responsibilities and options in straightforward language, helping you make informed decisions throughout the legal process.
Negotiation & Court Representation
Whether your matter can be resolved through negotiation or requires court intervention, our lawyers provide support and representation suited to your circumstances.
Member of Law Institute Victoria
FJR Lawyers is a member of the Law Institute Victoria, the professional association representing solicitors in Victoria.
How We Help You Resolve Parenting Matters
Step 1: Understanding Your Situation
We listen to your concerns, discuss your current parenting arrangements and identify the legal issues that may need to be addressed.
Step 2: Explaining Your Rights & Options
Our family lawyers explain the legal framework surrounding parenting responsibilities, children's living arrangements and available methods of resolving disputes.
Step 3: Negotiation & Parenting Agreements
Where appropriate, we assist with discussions, negotiations and family dispute resolution to explore practical arrangements without unnecessary court proceedings.
Step 4: Preparing Parenting Orders & Legal Documents
We help prepare relevant parenting plans, consent orders and court applications to document or formalise agreed arrangements.
Step 5: Court Representation Where Required
If negotiations are unsuccessful or urgent legal action is necessary, we can assist with appropriate court proceedings and represent your interests throughout the process.
Trusted by Clients Across Melbourne
Making decisions about your children's future is important, and choosing the right legal support can make the process easier to navigate.
Discover what our clients have to say about their experience with FJR Lawyers.
It was great experience with FJR Lawyers. Friendly staff and professional behaviour. Specially Katherine very soft spoken and always promptly replied all queries. I will high recommend these people for your all legal services specially in property conveyancing matters
Muhammad Imran Bhatti
1/10
I have used FJR Lawyers twice now and they have been exceptional on both occasions. They are always on the ball, get things sorted quickly and professionally , and do not cost an arm and a leg. I would definitely recommend using them.
Mara Scordia
2/10
Second time using FJR Lawyers services, just settled our property today. Smooth process and prompt communication from Kat, all messages were responded within 24hrs and all the paperwork handled in the background for us for timely settlement. Thank you!"
Jane Pan
3/10
FJR lawyers were amazing, delivering exceptional help in an easy and seamless manner. They went above and beyond to help us out, can’t thank them enough! Would highly recommend!
Najwa Qazi
4/10
Had a very seamless experience with FJR Lawyers for the sale of my property. Highly recommend Katherine & Fatima. Had a great experience working with them both. Kat got back to me very quickly and was on top of everything that needed to be done. They made my life so much easier! Thanks team
Courtney Mandel
5/10
Been working with FJR lawyers for a few years now and speak to Kat on a regular basis. She is an absolute pleasure to deal with and is always on the ball with any and every request. Thanks Kat & Fatima, it’s always a pleasure.
Rhonda J
6/10
Found them to be friendly, professional and readily available over the phone or in person whenever you needed to contact them. Regular, clear and complete information in writing, at each & every step of the process. All the way thru to settlement and beyond. Based on our experience, I'd have no hesitation in recommending FJR's services to anyone. Plus their pricing was very reasonable.
Fred Attard
7/10
Katherine is amazing! She has been so helpful through every process I have asked her to assist with. Kat has always gone above and beyond, explaining everything as I have limited knowledge of all processes, following up constantly with other parties and sending emails outlining all phone discussions to ensure I know exactly what is going on. Can’t recommend her enough!
Mary B
8/10
Kat at FJR Lawyers is honestly the best lawyer! Her knowledge, expertise professionalism, communication and work ethic is out of this world. She was immediately available every time I required her assistance and was so prompt to finalise the task at hand. Thank you so much Kat for your dedication, 100% satisfied and will forever be a returning client.
M A
9/10
We had a very pleasant and seamless experience with Katherine Antoun from FJR lawyers. From start to finish Kat made the process so easy and hassle free. She went above and beyond with the whole process. Everything was dealt with promptly and efficiently, at the same time being sensitive to our needs. I would highly recommend FJR lawyers.
Anne Scicluna
10/10
Child Custody & Parenting FAQs
1. How is child custody determined in Australia? expand_more
2. Do mothers automatically get custody of children in Australia? expand_more
3. Can a father get full custody of a child in Australia? expand_more
4. What is the difference between a parenting plan and a parenting order? expand_more
5. Do I have to attend mediation before going to Family Court? expand_more
6. Can I stop my former partner from seeing our child? expand_more
7. What happens if my former partner breaches a parenting order? expand_more
8. Can parenting orders be changed after they are made? expand_more
9. Can my former partner move interstate with our children? expand_more
10. How much does a child custody lawyer cost in Melbourne? expand_more
Still Have Questions About Your Parenting Rights?
Speak with our compassionate child custody and parenting lawyers in Melbourne to understand your legal options and protect your family's future.