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Child Support - Shared parenting by mum and dad
Changes to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) came into effect on 1 July 2006. They aim to encourage dispute resolution between parents and promote the ideal of equal and shared parental responsibility.
Some of the main initiatives include:
Equal shared parental responsibility
The law presumes that, except where there are issues of violence or abuse, it is in the best interests of the child for both parents to have equal shared parental responsibility. This is not the same as equal time with both parents, which in many instances is just not practical. Both parents have equal involvement in making decisions about important issues that affect their children, including education and health care.
Best interests of the child
When parents make parenting plans, or a court makes a parenting order, the most important consideration is what is in the best interests of the child. Children have the right to know, and spend time with, both parents. How much time parents get to spend with their children will depend on practical considerations for both the child and the parents. Time spent with a child is not necessarily limited to weekends or holiday access visits, but should include daily ‘routine time’ as well. The importance of other family relationships such as grandparents, and the need for children to spend time with them, is also recognised.
Resolving disputes co-operatively
Another significant area of reform is in the area of dispute resolution. A number of Family Relationship Centres are being set up to support families by offering a range of professional support and referral services. In Victoria, there are centres in Mildura, Sunshine, Frankston and Ringwood. Family Relationship Centres offer a variety of services to families, not just for those experiencing relationship problems. Families will be able to use the early intervention and prevention services as a first port of call to avoid a dispute developing. Families experiencing difficulties will be able to obtain information and advice from professionally qualified staff in the centres. This will hopefully facilitate resolution of issues that are in dispute and avoid the need for lengthy court hearings.
A general advice line is also available on 1800 050 321.
More information
Useful web links
www.familyrelationships.gov.au
Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to be a complete statement of the law relating to the issues raised. Accordingly, no person should rely on this information without first obtaining specific advice from Warwick Teasdale, Stephen Gregory; Barbara Watson or Paula Leslie of our office. | 
