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Child Custody Lawyers in Caloundra
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Where can I find child custody lawyers in Caloundra?
Ferrall & Co Lawyers provides child custody and parenting law advice from our Caloundra office at Echelon Centre, Level One, 65–67 Bulcock Street, Caloundra QLD 4551.
Our family lawyers assist parents with parenting arrangements, parenting plans, consent orders, parenting orders, mediation, family dispute resolution and contested parenting matters. You can speak with our team during a free 30-minute family law consultation by calling (07) 5491 2159.
Ferrall & Co's child custody lawyers in Caloundra assist with:
- Parenting plans and parenting agreements
- Consent orders
- Parenting order applications
- Urgent parenting matters
- Parenting disputes
- Family dispute resolution and mediation
- Relocation and living-arrangement disputes
- Matters involving family violence or child safety concerns
- Court representation where parenting matters cannot be resolved by agreement
If you and the other parent have already reached agreement and want help documenting the arrangements, see our Parenting Agreement Lawyers service.
Understanding legal services
We understand that child custody matters require a delicate touch. We will work to find the optimal outcome that is in the best interests of your children.
It can be organised in different ways. Informal parenting plans aren’t legally enforceable. However, they can help if you’re on good terms with your ex-spouse. Our lawyers will ensure that the plan is comprehensive and manageable.
Parenting orders can be consensual or implemented to resolve a dispute. We’ll make sure you navigate the process smoothly.
Parenting matters and the Family Law Act
Parental responsibility
These are the major duties that parents have for their child’s developmental needs. This includes the major decisions that affect the child over the long term. Think about medical and educational matters. There may also be religious or cultural considerations.
Child's living arrangements
There’s also the matter of where the child will spend time. Will the parents share caring duties equally? Will one parent become the primary carer with the other parent receiving visitation rights?
If you read Australian family law legislation, you’ll find that the word ‘custody’ doesn’t actually appear. In 2006, the law shifted its focus from custody to parental responsibility. It made the change because custody seemed to imply that the child was property to win in a parenting case.
How Does the Court Decide Parenting Arrangements?
There is no standard parenting arrangement that applies to every family. When a Court is asked to make parenting orders, the best interests of the child are the paramount consideration. The Court considers matters including:
- arrangements that promote the safety of the child and the people caring for them
- any views expressed by the child
- the child’s developmental, psychological, emotional and cultural needs
- each person’s capacity to meet those needs
- the benefit of the child having relationships with parents and other significant people, where it is safe
- any history of family violence, abuse or neglect
- anything else relevant to the child’s particular circumstances
Depending on the family, orders may deal with where a child lives, when they spend time with each parent, communication, schooling, medical decisions and other major long-term issues.
Common pitfalls
Child custody arrangements are some of the most fraught family legal matters. People can often fall victim to various pitfalls if they’re not careful.
Failing to prioritise the child's best interests
Parents never want to lose sight of their children’s best interests. However, feelings of animosity between co-parents are not uncommon. This can have long-term psychological and emotional effects on children.
Lack of preparation
Do you want to ruin your case as efficiently as possible? Come unprepared. It has tight deadlines. If you don’t have your documents ready, you’ll face delays and higher costs.
Unrealistic expectations
Some people come away from custody cases disappointed with the result. However, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations about how visitation will work and other matters.
Are you looking for full custody?
We understand that some parents feel strongly that they should have sole custody of their children. This isn’t a typical arrangement and is usually only granted in particular circumstances. These may include:
There's a risk of child abuse.
The child may be exposed to physical or psychological harm.
One parent lacks the capacity or willingness to have responsibility for their child.
One parent has demonstrated mental health or substance abuse concerns.
We understand that some parents feel strongly that they should have sole custody of their children. This isn’t a typical arrangement and is usually only granted in particular circumstances. These may include:
Existing family violence orders.
Medical reports.
Report from a family consultant.
Witness testimonies.
Our Partnerships
Meet Rowena Ferrall
After completing a Bachelor of Laws at James Cook University in Townsville in 2002, Rowena completed her initial legal training at the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (ATSILS) in Townsville. She then finalised her Post Graduate Diploma through the Australian National University in Canberra in 2004, the same year she qualified to practice as a solicitor.
Rowena is admitted to practice in Queensland and in the High Court of Australia, allowing her to appear in all Courts in Queensland as well as Federally based Courts across the country.
Rowena has worked in Townsville, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane in general litigation since her admission in 2004. After working as a generalist for several years, Rowena decided that she could best serve her community by opening her own boutique legal practice with a relaxed approach to client consultations, a manageable fee structure, as well as incorporating two furry friends who provide additional support for clients when in need.
What Our Clients Say
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the challenges?
Here For You
Why Caloundra families choose Ferrall & Co for child custody matters
When decisions about your children are involved, you need clear advice from a family law team that understands both the legal process and what is at stake for your family. Ferrall & Co provides practical, compassionate support to parents dealing with child custody and parenting matters in Caloundra.
For tailored advice on parenting arrangements, contact our Caloundra family lawyers today.
Where's your life right now?
Without Legal Guidance
- DIY could lead to long-term consequences
- You may be disadvantaged in legal negotiations without skilled negotiators, potentially leading to less favourable terms or settlements.
- The emotional burden of facing legal challenges without support can be overwhelming, affecting mental health and overall quality of life.
- You may miss critical legal nuances and rights, leading to missed opportunities for a more favourable resolution or making costly mistakes in your legal approach.
With Ferrall & Co.
- Improve your chances of achieving favourable outcomes in your legal matters with strategic and effective representation.
- Receive legal protection and advocacy to safeguard your rights and interests throughout the legal process.
- Save time and resources with efficient legal processes and solutions designed to minimise the duration and cost of your legal issues.
Reclaim Your Future
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Frequently Asked Questions
What about child support?
Child support is often a vital part of cases. Often, one party is less financially secure than the other parent. In these situations, our team can help you secure financial support through a limited or binding child support agreement.
What if there's family violence involved?
The safety of you and your children are of the utmost importance to us and the Court. The Court may appoint an independent children’s lawyer to advocate for the child’s best interests and wellbeing. If necessary, we can work with the police to put a protection order in place for your family’s safety.
How does the law handle parental responsibility?
The Family Law Act defines parental responsibility as all the duties, powers and responsibilities a parent has for their child. According to recent amendments, the Court no longer begins with the assumption of equal shared parental responsibility. However, we still consider it in a child’s interest to have a meaningful relationship with both parents and will work towards that goal as appropriate.
Where does the child custody process begin?
If you’re looking to make parenting arrangements, begin by having an open and honest conversation with your former partner if you can. Try to establish some mutual understanding. After that, we recommend you seek legal advice family law near me. Our team will guide you to getting a child custody agreement in place.
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