Children

Need advice about parenting arrangements? Our family law firm in Brisbane is highly experienced in dealing with parenting matters, including custody negotiations after a separation or divorce. Our child custody lawyers can provide you with expert legal advice and will be on your side throughout your matter. Contact the child custody law specialists at Michael Lynch Family Lawyers today for expert legal advice on your unique situation.

The Family Law Act has changed many times over the years, making it difficult for people with no legal experience to understand. Anyone considering custody arrangements for their child should seek legal advice from an expert in family law.

Changes to the Family Law Act

The most significant changes to the Family Law Act occurred with the introduction of the “shared parenting” legislation in 2006. More recently, in 2012, amendments were made to the law for matters involving “family violence”.

Other changes to the Family Law Act include:

  • Changes in terminology to remove “residence” and “contact” and introduce “lives with” and “spends time with”
  • New considerations when determining a child’s arrangements (“equal time” or “substantial and significant time” form a part of these considerations)
  • The establishment of Family Relationship Centres in 2006
  • The introduction of Parenting Plans in 2006
  • Broadened definitions of “family violence” and “abuse” in 2012.

The law no longer uses the term “custody” when determining parenting arrangements, however, for ease of understanding we will use this term in this outline.

These alterations have significantly impacted parenting outcomes relating to child custody disputes. If you are trying to negotiate a child custody agreement, it’s essential to get legal advice from a family law specialist and to take the Act’s most recent changes into consideration. 

As one of the leading family law firms in Brisbane, Michael Lynch Family Lawyers are experienced child custody solicitors who are up to date with the Act and can provide expert legal advice relating to the disputed custody of your child.

Family Dispute Resolutions

All parties involved in a child custody matter must attend Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) if their dispute is to go to court. If the parenting dispute is not going to court, then FDR is voluntary. FDR is designed to resolve custody matters out of court, and it is best to proceed with an experienced child custody lawyer on your side.

Through mediation, one of the specialist family law services our child custody and family dispute lawyers in Brisbane provide, parents can come to an agreement on their child’s future arrangements.

If FDR fails to resolve the matter, a family law lawyer can help parents arrange further negotiations. Should these negotiations also fail to produce an agreement, the matter will most likely end up in court.

Children and the Law

The child’s rights are the most important thing in child custody matters. To protect children, the court prioritises the following basic principles:

  • Children have the right to be properly cared for and protected from harm
  • If possible, both parents should be meaningfully engaged in their children’s lives
  • Parents are responsible for caring for their children.

What Does the Court Consider When Deciding Child Custody?

The court considers a range of factors before deciding on a child custody matter. The court must first consider if an ‘equal time’ arrangement is appropriate or failing that if, a ‘significant and substantial’ time arrangement is appropriate. It does this by looking at the ‘best interest’ factors. This includes matters such as, the child’s wishes, the current living arrangements and many more. The court must also consider if the arrangements proposed are ‘reasonably practicable’.

Each case is unique, but anything to do with a child’s wellbeing can impact the final decision.

What Is Parental Responsibility and How Is It Relevant?

The law presumes that both parents have shared parental responsibility.

Under a shared parental responsibility arrangement, parents play an equally important role in deciding the big issues in a child’s life such as, religion and health. The court will only change the presumption of shared parental responsibility if it is not in a child’s best interests (e.g. if a parent has engaged in abuse or family violence), in which case the court will order sole parental responsibility to one parent.

Will the Child’s Preferences Be Considered?

Children in Queensland do not need to meet a specific age requirement before their wishes can influence a child custody matter. If a child expresses a wish as to which parent they want to live with, their emotional maturity will need to be assessed.

Even though the views of young children are of interest, the court is more likely to seriously consider and give more weight to the opinion of a child in their mid-to-late teens. Should a child’s wishes change as they grow older, a custody agreement can be altered to suit their needs.

Speak to One of Queensland’s Largest Family Law Firms

Rather than trying to take on a child custody matter by yourself, we can be on your side throughout the entire process. To speak with one of our experienced family lawyers, please contact our Brisbane City office today. If you urgently need legal advice relating to a child custody matter, we will be happy to speak with you over the phone, via email, or you can attend an appointment in person.

Client Testimonials

Amy, thank you for all that you have done during this matter. You impressed me with your professionalism from our initial meeting, and you have proven beyond doubt, to have had the skills and knowledge required. You are a credit to the company, and I would highly recommend you to anyone in a similar situation.
R.P., Cleveland
Thank you for the outstanding legal advice you have provided and professionalism in which you conduct yourself. I am truly thankful that it was you who represented me.
M.T., Stafford
Lovely to deal with and provides a balanced view in what are very difficult circumstances.
A.C., Morningside
The professionalism and reliability delivered by Amy Honan was fantastic. I had an urgent matter around my property sale and Amy offered to provide assistance over a weekend if I required it – that’s above and beyond!
E.F., Nundah

Your staff is knowledgeable, professional and very calm.

A.C., Helensvale
I really appreciated the happiness of your secretarial staff.
G.C., Clayfield
Thank you for the great newsletter. Your article on “Coping with Christmas” is brilliant – clear, caring and helpful. Thanks again!
C.T., Bribie Island

My lawyer was the most knowledgeable of all lawyers I spoke to when looking for a lawyer. Michael Lynch Family Lawyers showed professionalism.

R.R., Brighton

I was always confident that I was getting the very best advice.

T.S., Flinders

I have appreciated the way that you and the staff at your firm have handled my situation. I would especially like to mention the professional and caring way my lawyer conducted my case, I am deeply grateful and extremely happy with the results. I will be referring others to your service.

J.H., Wellington Point

Many thanks to Stephanie for her help and support through this time, I was incredibly impressed with her work.

L.K., North Lakes
Your team’s communication with me was exceptional, I knew exactly what was happening.
A.A., Eatons Hill
Your newsletters are great, I appreciate them.
K.B., Carina
Thank you for providing me with a professional yet empathetic approach to gain the best outcome for me. My solicitor was excellent in explaining the processes and in representing me in Court. You have great customer service!
T.V., Everton Park
Amy, thank you. You have been diligent, accurate and pro-active for the entire duration of my matter. I appreciate it.
R.P., Cleveland

Thank you for being very personable, professional and always providing me with the most appropriate advice in my times of difficulty. The other party’s lawyers were extremely aggressive, while Michael Lynch Family Lawyers remained calm and professional.

S.D., Parkinson
If I need a family lawyer in the future I’ll be heading to Michael Lynch Family Lawyers again.
C.W., Brookfield
I like your friendly service and the ability to speak to my solicitor directly.
R.G., Wishart
Amy’s work was extremely professional but above all she has a manner and wisdom in dealing with people under stress. I will be recommending your firm to anyone that requires assistance.
K.H., Augustine Heights

I’m very glad ‘Michael Lynch Family Lawyers’ is my lawyer and not the other side’s solicitor.

S.S., Hamilton
Michael, thank you again for your presence here yesterday. We really appreciated the clarity and accessibility of your presentation. It is a rare thing to find somebody who not only has expertise, but also has a skill in communicating it.
J.S., Brisbane

Michael Lynch Family Lawyers know what they are talking about.

R.M., Warwick
Your team is professional, warm, friendly and real.
N.R., Crows Nest
Many thanks for your assistance – life is now great – I’m moving on.
J.K., Mansfield

Thank you Debra for all the work you did for me, you both made the process manageable and brought sense to the chaos.

R.B., Toowong

I just wanted to get in touch to say thanks for helping me get through my custody and settlement. Thanks again to you and your staff. You have had a significant positive impact in my kids’ lives!

B.S., Brisbane
The staff at Michael Lynch Family Lawyers were great. Everyone was fantastic, professional, understanding, caring and always communicated with me. I knew I was in good hands.
A.A., Eatons Hill
I always felt that the service provided by Michael Lynch Family Lawyers was of a high standard. Each time, after appointments I came away feeling secure. Keep doing what you are and maintain the ‘family feel’ that permeates your services.
C.W., Brookfield
My family lawyer was very helpful in assisting me to combat a very ugly situation without stooping to the low levels that the other solicitor attempted to take us.
M.J., Manly
I was guided through a really difficult time with expertise of Michael Lynch Family Lawyers. I am more than happy with the outcome of mediation.
J.H., Windaroo
Michael Lynch Family Lawyers have really listened to me. I felt confident my case was handled well. The law has changed recently, and I did not feel that a previous law practice I spoke to was suitably up-to-date.
P.B., Carindale

At Michael Lynch Family Lawyers I got professional and ‘no-nonsense’ advice, costs were within quoted amounts and my matter was resolved quickly – well done!

L.R., Ascot
Thank you for your ongoing conciliatory approach in this matter and as always I appreciate your level headed advice. I certainly feel that I ended up with the right Solicitor.
S.C., Nundah
I liked my solicitor keeping things as simple as possible.
S.M., Clayfield
So pleased to have had a good, sound and knowledgeable firm.
C.W., Brookfield

We had such a positive experience with Michael Lynch Family Lawyers, and we highly recommend their services. Meticulous attention to detail, attended quickly to every additional request we made, and made sure we always knew exactly where we were every step of the way. Our lawyer took what was such a stressful and emotional time for our family, and made the process feel so smooth and seamless.

N.B., Brisbane
I was impressed by my solicitor’s attention to detail and her concern for me, and that the process was explained to me and that I understood it at all times.
B.W., Chapel Hill

I was very impressed with the initial interview. Everything was well-explained, and the advice was honest about what I should expect.

C.M., Morningside

I would like to thank your firm for the support and compassion shown while dealing with my matter.

C.M., Brisbane
I like that my lawyer treated me like a friend and kept jargon to a minimum. She was easy to contact and kept me informed.
L.R., Samford

Thank you very much to everyone at Michael Lynch Family Lawyers. Thank you for helping me get my life back and make a fresh start. To have that fresh start without fear and anxiety is priceless.

A.A., Perth
May I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you and your staff for the excellent professional services I received. In a word, priceless.
D.H., Hendra

My solicitor is a good listener. My documentation maintained the high moral ground.

S.S., Hamilton
I appreciate my lawyer’s professional approach and her being on top of my situation.
N.S., Mt Gravatt
My solicitor provided a personalised service, prompt and quick responses and cost information prior to my commitment.
G.C., Southport
Michael is very personable and very good at covering the material and explaining the strategy.
J.O., Hawthorne

My lawyer has been an amazing help through this stressful time. I will remember her help for the rest of my life. Thank you.

J.H., Brisbane

After utilising the mediation services team recommended by your organisation, my ex-partner and I were able to reach some interim agreements about parenting. I am incredibly grateful for the advice provided by Debra Effeney; and found your firm’s services to be exceptionally professional. If we needed to consult a family lawyer in the future, we would have no hesitation in reconnecting with your firm.

K.M., Paddington

I really liked the personable service by Michael Lynch Family Lawyers, the simple plain language you adopt and everyone’s patience.

A.O., Kedron

Thank you for helping me through this difficult time. You have been caring, compassionate and efficient. Some of my divorcing friends have not been so fortunate. In my mind, you are the best family lawyer in Brisbane. If anyone I know needs a good family lawyer, I will tell them to speak to you. Thanks again.

B.T., Clayfield
Amy, thanks very much to you and your team. Throughout my dealings with MLFL I have been continually impressed with your level of professionalism and, in particular, your understanding of circumstances and the articulate way you conduct yourself. I was completely satisfied with today’s outcome and without your experience and expertise in family law I doubt that the result would have been achieved.
M.R., West End
I appreciate you being upfront with fee estimates. You also have a fantastic website and the seminars REALLY helped to get me focussed.
T.C., Tarragindi
My lawyer acted with professionalism in all her dealings with me and with the lawyer on the other side. I was always kept in the loop. I liked her approach. Thanks.
D.S., Coorparoo

You, guys, provide extraordinary service.

A.O., North Brisbane
Michael Lynch Family Lawyers always gave me competent and knowledgeable advice. I was consistently kept up to date. The meetings and phone calls were kept business-like, yet caring and thoughtful of my emotional state at the time. Thank you.
J.S., Holland Park
A personalised and professional service. Information has been clear and provided timely to assist my decision-making.
S.S., Hamilton
Thank you, you placed my needs first, you were aware of the need to reach a final result and not get caught up in the personal issues of the other party.
S.L., Moranbah

Thank you, you kept me sane in a difficult situation and gave me the encouragement and the confidence to keep going. You made me feel extremely comfortable.

A.M., Chambers Flat

Michael Lynch Family Lawyers are easy to deal with, and your systems are good.

D.T., Ferny Grove