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Children and Parenting Lawyers in Melbourne

Receive expert advice from our team of trusted lawyers, highly experienced in children's & parenting matters cases.

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When it comes to navigating child custody arrangements, the best solution are those that prioritise the health and wellbeing of your children. Our experienced family lawyers understand this. That’s why they take pride in fighting to protect the best interests of your children. Our Child Custody Lawyers specialise in Children’s & Parenting Matters, helping parents navigate this complex legal landscape. No matter how complex your children’s & parenting matters, you can trust our team of family lawyers here at Oxford Partners Lawyers to advocate for your children on your behalf, ensuring the best possible resolution for your family.

Expert services

From child custody & support, to co-parenting arrangments, our lawyers are experts in Children’s & Parenting Matters

Family Law Firm

A team of family lawyers with decades of combined experience

Empathy-driven Service

Our family lawyers handle all child custody matters with the utmost care and compassion

Proven Results

Work with some of Melbourne’s most trusted child custody experts

Flexible Fee Models

Our legal fees are down to earth and realistic

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Our Child Custody & Child Support Family Law Services

When the well-being of your child is at stake, it’s critical to have a knowledgeable and experienced legal partner who can provide both you and your family with the guidance and support you need.

At Oxford Partners, we pride ourselves on our team of dedicated family lawyers who specialise in Children’s & Parenting Matters. Our family lawyers work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the best interests of your child in every child custody case.

Whether you’re looking to secure joint or sole custody, or are seeking to develop a co-parenting agreement that accommodates all parties, our child custody lawyers will be able to offer their assistance.

Get in touch with our team at Oxford Partners Today.

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Developing Parenting Arrangements & Plans

Under the Family Law Act, the children or child should have a meaningful relationship with both parents. However, a Court will always make an Order in relation to custody matters considered to be in the best interests of the child or children.

When a resolution that benefits all parties cannot be agreed upon and family mediation is required, a family lawyer offering services relating to Children’s & Parenting Matters can step in to assist in the process and develop a parenting arrangement.

Parenting arrangements are typically developed to address the following key concerns:

  • Where should the children live?
  • How much time should the child spend with the other parent?
  • What is to happen if a party wishes to take the child on an overseas holiday?
  • Are there any issues or safety concerns with the child spending more or significant time with one party?
  • What will happen on the child’s birthday?
  • How will third parties wanting to spend significant time with the child or children (such as grandparents, aunts and uncles) be handled?
  • What happens if there has been Family Violence?

Some of these issues may be agreed between the two parents. However, in the event that this does not occur, it may be necessary for the parties to obtain a Family Report. Our “child custody” lawyers will sit down with you during your first consultation and explain the process to you in detail and what the potential outcome could be for you in this highly stressful time.

Our team of family lawyers at Oxford Partners Lawyers can assist you in developing a suitable parenting arrangement for your family.

Why work with Oxford Partners Lawyers on your Child Custody Case?

Since 2011, Oxford Partners has been one of Melbourne’s highest rated family law firms, providing expert assistance with divorce and separation proceedings, legal representation in property settlements, and child support as well as child custody matters. Our team of family lawyers all have extensive, specialised experience in all aspects of family law, including in Children’s & Parenting Matters. When you work with Oxford Partners family lawyers, you can expect to receive the strongest representation, support and advice, both from your legal counsel as well as the additional resources of our established Melbourne family law firm.

Our child custody lawyers will:

  • Negotiate on behalf of yourself and your children
  • Provide empathy-driven legal counsel
  • Advocate your rights and parenting responsibilities
  • Save you time and energy
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Our Reviews Speak For Themselves

At Oxford Partners, we take pride in ensuring all of our clients can enjoy strong representation and effective resolutions. See what our clients have to say about our services.

Benefits of Working with a Family Lawyers for Child Custody

When it comes to family law proceedings, we’ve found there are two qualities that all of our clients here at Oxford Partners Lawyers appreciate above all else: empathy-driven service and resolutions that benefit families and individuals. Our family lawyers pride themselves on being able to deliver both of these qualities, even when working on the most complex or dynamic child custody cases.

Navigation Children’s & Parenting Matters can be a complicated and emotionally taxing journey for families of all sizes if you’re preparing to apply for joint of sole child custody in Australia, your family can benefit from securing assistance from Melbourne’s trusted family lawyers at Oxford Partners Lawyers.

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How to Apply for Child Custody in Australia

Step 1: Secure your Certificate of Dispute Resolution

Prior to applying for child custody, you’re first required to attend Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) and secure your Certificate of Dispute Resolution. The certificate will denote that you’ve either been to, or tried to go to, family dispute resolution or that it’s not appropriate for your child custody matter to be settled in FDR proceedings

Please note that cases involving family violence, intervention orders, child abuse, or other urgent matters may be exempt from FDR.

Step 2: Apply for a Parenting Order with your Child Custody Lawyer

Upon receiving a Certificate of Dispute Resolution, parents, grandparents, extended family members, or other suitable guardians will be able to formally apply for a parenting orderwith the assistance of a family lawyer

Step 3: Attend Mediation or Family Court

Once all your supporting documentation has been collated, it’s time to present your case. This can either be done through a second family mediation appointment or in Family Court. Your child custody lawyer will work with you to determine the best path of action for your unique child custody agreement.

Child Custody FAQ

Can child custody cases be settled without going to court?
Child custody cases can be settle without going to court through family mediation services. Settling a child custody case in mediation will include working with a mediator to develop a custody agreement that accommodates the children as well as both parties. If a settlement cannot be reached through mediation, the child custody agreement will be settled in Family Court.
How are child custody agreements determined?
A child custody agreement is created when parents develop a plan for their children's future living arrangements following separation or divorce proceedings. A child custody agreement is typically developed in accordance with the best interests of the child. Child custody lawyers provide expert advice and guidance during the process of developing and settling a child custody agreement. Working with a family lawyer in determining your child custody agreement can help ensure your proposed agreement is made in accordance with the best interests of your children.
What does it mean to have the 'best interests of the child?
'Best interests of the child' is a legal term used in child custody law to determine which of the child's parents is best suited to provide for the child's care requirements. A parent can prove they have the best interest of their child by demonstrating they have the parenting skills, time availability, concerns for safety and wellbeing, and other elements of custodial responsibility.
Can non-parents apply for a parenting order?
The law recognises that people other than parents, such as grandparents and extended family, may play an important role in the children's lives. For this reason, people other than the parents can apply for an order or be included in an order.
Where are you located?
Oxford Partners is conveniently situated on Little Lonsdale Street, nestled in the bustling centre of Melbourne’s CBD, just a stone’s throw away from Flagstaff Station. This prime location ensures seamless accessibility whether you’re travelling by train, tram, car, or by foot if you prefer to take a leisurely stroll through the city. Additionally, its proximity to the serene Flagstaff Gardens offers a nearby escape to nature, allowing for a perfect balance between urban convenience and natural tranquility.