When separating or divorcing, establishing a parenting arrangement for any children is important. With a lawyer's help, parents can formalize arrangements through an informal agreement, parenting orders, or parenting plans. If agreement cannot be reached, mediation or applying to the court for orders are options. The court's primary concern is the children's best interests, such as maintaining relationships with both parents and protecting them from harm. Family law services can provide guidance on the court's decision-making process and different approaches for unique family situations.

2. When it comes to separation and divorce one of the areas that both parties need to agree on is the parenting arrangement of any children involved.
This is where you need a litigation lawyer to help. With their assistance, you can formalise your own parenting arrangement. Involving a lawyer is
the best way to reduce stress, expedite the process and save money. There are three main options for making such arrangements, these include an
informal arrangements, parenting orders or parenting plans.
Types of parenting arrangements
The type of arrangement you choose will depends on the discussions between you and your former partner. If you both agree to make an informal
arrangement then you can draw up your own parenting plan or make it formal by applying for consent orders. If you both have some issues you
cannot resolve, but are still set on working things out, you can use mediation and dispute resolution to help resolve things. If you cannot come to
an agreement even after mediation you can then apply to Court for a parenting order. It is important to note here that the process of separation or
divorce is not the same as parenting proceedings. These are separate matters.

3. The best interests of the children
The Court has the power to make orders for the welfare and care of the children involved, commonly referred to as parenting
orders. However it is not just parents that these orders might apply to, it covers their legal guardians, which may include
grandparents, for example. With each area of dispute such as who the child should live with, who makes certain decisions, the
Court always makes rulings that keep the child’s best interests at the forefront. Family law services can offer guidance on how the
Court makes its decisions. The primary things the Court keeps in mind are whether it benefits the child to have a relationship with
each parent, whether they need protection from harm, either psychological or physical, and whether there are issues of neglect,
violence and abuse.

4. Things to keep in mind
Families are each different in their composition and their needs. A divorce lawyers perth or family counselling perth can help you work this,
there are different approaches for different situations such as;
You are not the parents but the grandparents or someone else concerned for the child
If you need to change arrangements made
If your need for a parenting order is urgent
If your current order has been breached
If your child is not returned to you or is missing
If your child has been moved to a different living address without permission or taken abroad
Family violence
Family law services are there if you are concerned about the family in terms of safety and violence. There are a number of organisations and
people who can offer support and advice on what to do next. It is important to share your fear with your advisor and the Court so the right choices
can be made for the children involved.

5. www.loukaslaw.com.au