One of the hardest and most stressful parts of separation is working out what arrangements to put in place for your kids.
Determining what family life is going to look like as you move forward with your separation can feel like a minefield that is impossible to navigate. But it doesn’t have to be like this.
It is absolutely possible to find a parenting arrangement that works for both you and your Ex. We see it happen all the time.
Is it always smooth sailing? No it isn’t. But with the right tools, resources and support at your side you can get some certainty, for you and your family, and make a plan.
Are you and your Ex on the same page when it comes to what’s in the best interests of your children? Do you trust them to stick to an agreed-upon arrangement? If that’s the case, a parenting plan could be a good option for you.
A parenting plan is an informal agreement between you and your Ex, that maps out your child arrangements and ongoing care (like when your children will be with each parent and who pays for what).
It’s important to know that, while this is a simple and cost-effective way of organising your family arrangements, a parenting plan is not a legally enforceable document. This means that if your Ex strays from the agreement, you’re going to be thrust into a tricky and uncertain situation.
If you think a parenting plan is the right option for you and your Ex, you might be wondering where to begin.
Here are some key points you’ll want your parenting plan to cover:
You can also engage a family lawyer to help you write your parenting plan. If you’re interested in getting a non-judgmental, supportive lawyer to help you through it, book a free clarity call with us today.
If you’d prefer to have a formal parenting agreement that is legally binding or disagree with your Ex on what’s in the best interests of your children, a consent order is your best option.
A consent order has the stamp of the Court, meaning that if you or your Ex doesn’t abide by the agreement, you’re technically breaking the law and you could be penalised.
While you can “do it yourself”, we would highly recommend working with a family lawyer before you apply for a consent order.
As you are creating an agreement that has legal consequences, ensuring you have full clarity on what you’re agreeing couldn’t be more important – not only for you but for your kids too.
A family lawyer can also help you complete and lodge documents with the Court (which can be a tedious and complicated task if you haven’t done it before).
You can book in a FREE 30 minute Clarity Call to discuss your situation and get answers to the issues causing you the most stress right now.
You can download our How to Survive the First 90 Days After Separation Guide which is jam-packed with easy, actionable steps you can take in the early days of your separation as you start to uncover and plan how you want to move forward.
You can connect with us on Instagram and Facebook where we share heaps of tips, tools, and strategies to support you on your separation journey.
***Disclaimer***
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or any other professional advice.
We are here to guide you out of the uncertainty of separation to financial certainty and freedom, to clear arrangements for your children and to the power and confidence you need to rebuild your life.
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