Child Support

How to Draft a Parenting Plan: Tips for Australian Families 15.11.24 Creating a parenting plan is an essential part of your family law matter in ensuring a smooth transition for your child. Accommodating the best interests of your child and their physical and emotional needs is crucial when determining the terms of your parenting plan. This article will navigate the different factors that you and the other party should consider when creating an arrangement that will best support your child’s needs, as well as provide tips for Australian families to ensure their parenting plan is effective.

Mapping the Child Support Departure Maze - Part 2 08.11.24 In Part 2 of their series, Paul Lewis, Katherine Evans, and Charlotte McGrath outline the grounds for departing from standard child support assessments under Australia’s Child Support Scheme. While assessments typically follow a formula based on income and child needs, Section 117 of the Child Support (Assessment) Act allows exceptions in certain cases. Grounds for departure include high access costs, special needs, expected education expenses, the child’s financial resources, and significant parental contributions.

What is an Independent Children's Lawyer and Their Role? 05.11.24 In family law proceedings, the best interests of the child are paramount throughout any considerations. The Independent Children’s Lawyer plays a fundamental role in representing and promoting these interests. They offer an impartial and independent perspective to any decisions and arrangements proposed during your family law matter. This article will navigate the role and responsibilities of the ICL, as well as tips for preparing your child prior meeting with an ICL.

What is Childbirth Maintenance? 25.07.24 An area of family law that is relatively unknown is childbirth maintenance. This ensures that an unmarried mother’s financial needs associated with the birth of a child are sufficiently met. In Australia, Section 67B of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) establishes the provisions for childbirth maintenance, offering legal framework to support mothers and their newborns during the critical period. This article delves into the key components and implications of Section 67B, highlighting its significance within the broader context of family law.

Family Law Amendments for Parenting - What to Consider 16.05.24 As of May 6, 2024 the Family Law Act has undergone significant changes aimed at enhancing the safety and simplifying the process for families going through separation. In this article. Special Counsel Annabel Murray outlines the recent changes to the legislation and discusses the revised parental responsibilities that focus on protecting the bet interest of children

Co-Parenting Apps, Technology and Programs: Tools for Effective Communication and Coordination 25.03.24 If you are a parent struggling with your co-parenting relationship, then know that resources are available to you. This article will discuss the many options available to parents to help them communicate more productively and positively and provide opportunities for personal growth and reflection. This is especially important for parents experiencing a high level of conflict in their co-parenting relationship and those currently in litigation.

Children Travelling Overseas - The Benefits and Risks 18.03.24 Australia is a culturally diverse nation where families have varied backgrounds. Separation can be difficult for parents, whether moving overseas permanently, taking their kids on holiday, or relocating for work. In this article, we discuss parental concerns about overseas travel, the Family Law Act's stance, airport watchlists, and common considerations for families in travel agreements.

Child Support and Private School Fees 16.02.24 When separating from a partner and children are involved it can be a daunting task to navigate child support including understanding the allocation of school fees and associated expenses. This can become especially intricate when one party possesses greater financial resources and might utilise this as leverage in negotiations. Within this article, Partner Reece Ramsden emphasises the importance of seeking legal guidance promptly.

Understanding Supervised Time: Safeguarding the Well-being of Children 12.02.24 When a dispute arises over a child’s safety, one of the considerations may be whether a child’s time with the other parent should be supervised to mitigate any risk of harm. Our dedicated team of family law specialists at Ramsden Family Law understands the nuances of these challenging situations. Whether you're dealing with parenting disputes, family violence, or custody battles, we have the experience and expertise to support you.

Navigating Parenting Orders During the Festive Season: A Guide For Parents Under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) 19.12.23 While the holiday season is supposed to be a joyous time spent with loved ones, parents dealing with family law matters may face extra difficulties during the Christmas period. It's important to understand your responsibilities outlined in parenting orders according to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) during this time. This helps to create a happy and peaceful experience for you and, most importantly, for your children over the holidays.

Ensuring Child Safety: Unpacking Unacceptable Risks in Parenting Matters 12.09.23 A recent landmark case before the Full Court has clarified our understanding of “unacceptable risk” in parenting matters. Although the concept of “unacceptable risk” is not new, it has been dealt with to differing degrees by the Court. Now, the Full Court has clarified the idea and the approach to determine whether an “unacceptable risk” is present in parenting matters. This article explores the case's background and implications, showcasing the importance of legal expertise.

What Is Spousal Maintenance? 04.07.23 Are you facing the financial challenges of separation or divorce? Spousal maintenance, also known as alimony to some, can provide crucial support for individuals who are not the primary earners in a relationship. Ramsden Family Lawyers understands the complexities of spousal maintenance and its impact on your daily expenses. Before resorting to court proceedings, seeking an amicable agreement with your ex-partner is always advisable. In this comprehensive article, we explore the eligibility criteria, application process, considerations of the court, time limits, and duration of spousal maintenance.