You may have recently separated, and are having discussions with your former partner regarding the ongoing arrangements for your children. If you are able to reach agreement, you will be faced with the option to sign up to a parenting plan, or obtain formal court orders.
What is a Consent Order?
- A formal court application is completed by your solicitors with details of the arrangements for the children, lodged with the court and becomes a court order which is binding and enforceable.
- The benefit of this approach is that a court order is difficult to change, without a significant change in circumstances.
What is a Parenting Plan?
- There is no set form or process for a parenting plan. It has low formality requirements, (i.e only needing to be signed by both parents).
- The Parenting Plan is not lodged with the court, and does not become a court order. As such, it is not enforceable.
It is important that you obtain specialist family law advice before finalising any documentation regarding your children’s arrangements.
For a free initial consultation, call us for an appointment on 02 9560 6811.
Author: Gabriella Arvanitis, Associate Lawyer, Family Law
Service: Family Law
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