Caring for Children in the Separation
For many people the impact on and arrangements for the care of their children form a far bigger stress than reaching a financial agreement. The law supports that the best interests of children are met by having a meaningful involvement in their lives by both parents, if it is practicable, and shared care can be a real option in many cases.
When children are involved, in most cases the Court must see that you have tried mediation in order to determine parenting arrangements. There are a number of mediators in Perth, although Leach Legal recommends a select handful of them to their clients and we will make recommendations appropriate to your situation if you come to us for One-Off Legal Advice, a De Novo Guide or seek full Legal Representation.
What to Consider with Mediation
Mediation will help you develop a Parenting Plan that can also be formalized in a Consent Order (Form 11) and submitted to the Court. Consent Orders can cover both property and children’s arrangements.
It is important that you go into mediation armed with a knowledge of the process and potential options you face. We recommend you read through the following:
- Divorce and Separation Process – Follow our flow chart to get an overview of what happens in a divorce and separation.
- Parenting Plan – Download our Parenting Plan factsheet.
- Dividing Property – Read up on considerations when dividing property.
- De Novo Guide – Simple and amicable DIY divorce support with minimal legal involvement.
