Child Custody

Protecting What Matters Most: Your Children

When you separate, your biggest worry is how your children will cope. You want to protect them, provide stability, and ensure their wellbeing is the number one priority. Navigating parenting arrangements can be the most emotionally challenging part of any separation.

Our lawyers provide calm, child-focused advice to help you create a practical parenting plan that works for your family. We are here to help you find a path forward that minimises conflict and protects your children.

Understanding Parenting Arrangements

In Australia, the law focuses on “parenting arrangements” that are in the “best interests of the child” rather than traditional terms like ‘custody’ or ‘access’. Our goal is to help you and your former partner create a stable, loving, and practical environment for your children.

Why Choose Irvine Lawyers for Your Parenting Matter

A Child-First Approach: Advice guided by the best interests of the child to shield them from conflict.
Focus on Out-of-Court Agreements: Skilled negotiators who prioritise mediation to reach workable agreements.
Calm & Practical Advice: Clear, practical solutions in plain English for arrangements covering school, holidays, and special occasions.
Experienced Court Advocates: If litigation is necessary, we represent you strongly in the Federal Circuit and Family Court.

How It Works: Our Child-Focused Process

Confidential Consult

Free 30-minute chat to understand your concerns and provide initial advice.

Strategic Advice & Planning

Clear strategy focused on the child’s best interests and realistic outcomes.

Family Dispute Resolution (Mediation)

Prepare for mediation to reach a child-focused agreement with your ex-partner.

Formalising Your Agreement

Draft a Parenting Plan or Consent Orders to make the agreement legally binding.

Court (If Agreement Isn’t Possible)

Prepare and file necessary court documents, represent you at hearings, and advocate for outcomes in the child’s best interests.

Parenting Arrangements: What It Covers

Live-With & Spend-Time Arrangements (Custody): Agree on where children live and the schedule for school terms, holidays, and special occasions.
Parental Responsibility (Decision-Making): Decide who makes long-term decisions about education, health, and cultural/religious upbringing.
Family Dispute Resolution (Mediation): Guidance and legal advice to prepare for mediation before applying for court orders.
Parenting Plans vs. Consent Orders: Parenting Plans are flexible agreements; Consent Orders are legally binding and enforceable.

Common Situations We Handle

Negotiating a first parenting plan after separation.
Responding to a court application for parenting arrangements.
Making informal agreements legally binding with Consent Orders.
Advising on child custody laws in Australia.
Planning school holiday schedules and special arrangements.
Handling relocation disputes and complex parenting issues.
Advising grandparents on time with grandchildren.

Google Review

    
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t recommend Laurie highly enough.

We had a very urgent situation where a loan needed to settle within two days, and we desperately needed a solicitor to review guarantor loan documents to make settlement happen on time. Laurie stepped in immediately and was willing to help even outside of normal working hours, which made all the difference.

As a mortgage broker, I understand how critical timing and responsiveness are in these situations, and Laurie was not only incredibly professional but also genuinely lovely to deal with throughout the process.

Thanks to his help, everything was reviewed in time and the settlement went through smoothly. We’re extremely grateful and I’ll definitely be sending more clients his way.

Thank you again, Laurie!
  
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   JESSIE BOYCE 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They are always there to support with my family circumstances changing. I am grateful for the personal feel and professional service. Thank you Laurie.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   natalieboughosn 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best lawyer I have come across in years, very thorough, very informative and just an all round honest and genuine bloke
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   nadia costello 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Luary great service knowledge of the situation excellent
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Charlie Scicluna 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very good advice from Laurie.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Mark Russell