Parenting

Parenting Arrangements

The care and welfare of children after separation is understandably an important consideration for parents. We help negotiate and draft enforceable agreements that formalise living arrangements and parenting responsibilities. When parents can't agree, we provide expert advice and representation in preparation for, and during, mediation and court proceedings.

Mediation

The law requires that separating couples try to agree on parenting arrangements before taking court action. We provide support and, if necessary, representation during the mediation process and are able to carefully document any agreed arrangements.

If an agreement isn't reached at mediation we can:

• help you seek a negotiated agreement with your former partner
• file an application with the court seeking formal orders
• help you respond to a court application issued by your former partner

Surrogacy arrangements

Surrogacy laws vary between Australia's states and territories, and it is essential that both surrogates and intended parents are aware of their legal rights, and the potential legal risks, before entering into surrogacy arrangements. We provide specialist advice and representation regarding:

• surrogacy arrangements (both gestational and traditional) including independent legal advice under the legislation (when required)
• surrogacy and donor agreements
• parentage order applications

Fertility law

Fertility laws in Australia also vary between the states and territories and can raise complex legal issues for donors, surrogates and intended parents. We provide specialist advice regarding all areas of fertility law including:

• parentage
• surrogacy
• egg, sperm and embryo donation
• assisted reproductive treatment
• surrogacy and donor agreements
• applications for court orders regarding parentage and parenting arrangements

Relocation and unlawful removal of children

When a child is unlawfully taken overseas it becomes an issue of international law – and this adds complexity. Our team is one of the few in Australia with the experience and global connections to best guide you through that situation.

It's important to take urgent action if you're concerned that your child or children are at risk of being removed, or have been removed, from their home country without your consent. We recommend getting in touch as soon as you can.

We provide advice to:

• parents seeking to relocate with their child or children
• parents wishing to oppose the relocation of their child or children
• parents whose children haven’t been returned or have been unlawfully removed from their country of residence

More about international family law

Gender dysphoria

Our firm has acted in some of the most significant gender dysphoria cases to date. This includes our work with the Human Rights Law Centre in the landmark case of Re Kelvin.

We're proud to be at the forefront of this emerging area of law and would welcome the opportunity to lend our expertise in what are almost always sensitive and highly complex matters.