Our Services
Melbourne’s Trusted Parenting & Custody Dispute Lawyers
Safeguard your relationship with your child with expert legal advice from Melbourne’s leading family lawyers. We help you navigate parenting plans, custody arrangements, and disputes with compassion and a focus on your child’s best interests.
Supporting Families Through Parenting and Custody Disputes in Melbourne
Parenting and custody disputes can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. Whether you’re negotiating parenting plans, seeking a court order, or addressing custody disagreements, it’s essential to have expert guidance to protect your child’s wellbeing and secure a fair outcome.
At Pentana Stanton Lawyers, we provide compassionate and experienced legal support to help you navigate these issues. Our Melbourne-based family lawyers understand the unique challenges faced by local families and are here to help every step of the way.
Here’s how we can assist you:
- Parenting Plans: Create clear agreements that reflect your family’s needs.
- Mediation Services: Resolve disputes without going to court.
- Parenting Orders: Secure legally binding decisions through the Family Court.
- Child’s Best Interests: Ensure every decision prioritises your child’s welfare.
We know that every family’s situation is unique. That’s why we work closely with you to understand your specific needs and craft tailored legal solutions. Our goal is to reduce conflict, protect your rights, and ensure the best possible outcome for you and your child.
- Parenting Plans
- Mediation Services
- Parenting Orders
- Child’s Best Interests
Guiding You Through Parenting and Custody Disputes Every Step of the Way
Let Us Support Your Case &
Secure the Outcome You Deserve
1
Understand Your Situation
We start by listening to your story, understanding your family dynamics, and identifying your priorities to provide personalised legal advice.
2
Plan Your
Path Forward
Our team develops a clear, practical strategy, whether it’s through mediation, parenting plans, or preparing for court proceedings.
3
Advocate
for You
When challenges arise, our experienced lawyers will represent you with confidence and compassion to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your child.
Child Support Lawyers
Supporting Families Through Parenting and Custody Challenges
Navigating parenting and custody disputes is never easy, but at Pentana Stanton Lawyers, we are here to support you. With a compassionate approach and deep expertise in Australian family law, we help families create workable solutions that prioritise their child’s welfare.
We offer guidance on creating parenting plans, which are flexible agreements between parents, as well as applying for parenting orders, which are legally binding decisions approved by the Family Court. Each option is designed to help families maintain stability and ensure the best possible outcome for their child.
In all parenting disputes, the court’s primary focus is the “best interests of the child.” This principle ensures that decisions reflect the child’s safety, emotional wellbeing, and meaningful relationships with both parents.
Our Melbourne-based family lawyers are here to guide you through this process, whether you’re resolving disputes through mediation or require representation in court. We’re committed to helping you protect your rights and achieve a resolution that secures your family’s future.
FAQs
Common Questions About Parenting &
Custody Disputes
Custody decisions are based on the “best interests of the child” principle in Australian family law. This includes factors like the child’s safety, emotional wellbeing, and relationships with each parent. If parents cannot agree through mediation, the Family Court will make a binding decision to protect the child’s welfare.
The time to resolve disputes depends on the complexity of your case. Mediation or agreements can take weeks, while court cases may take several months. At Pentana Stanton Lawyers, we work efficiently to minimise delays and achieve the best possible outcome for you and your child.
If you’re worried about your child’s safety, urgent parenting orders can provide immediate protection. These court-enforced orders address concerns like family violence or neglect, ensuring your child’s safety is prioritised. Our lawyers handle these cases with care and urgency, offering compassionate guidance every step of the way.
At Pentana Stanton Lawyers, we help families decide which option works best for their situation. Whether you’re seeking to draft a Parenting Plan or require court representation to obtain Parenting Orders, our experienced family lawyers are here to guide you through the process with clarity and care.
We understand that every family’s needs are unique, and we are dedicated to achieving outcomes that prioritise your child’s wellbeing while minimising conflict. Let us help you take the next step toward creating a stable and positive future for your family.
Child Support Lawyers
Your Options: Parenting Plans and Parenting Orders
A Parenting Plan is a voluntary, written agreement between parents that details how they will share responsibilities for their child. It can cover important aspects such as custody schedules, holiday arrangements, education, and healthcare decisions. Parenting Plans offer a flexible solution, allowing parents to collaborate on arrangements that suit their family’s unique needs. Since it doesn’t involve court intervention, a Parenting Plan can reduce conflict and promote a cooperative approach to parenting.
However, if parents cannot reach an agreement or require a legally enforceable solution, they can apply for Parenting Orders through the Family Court. Parenting Orders are legally binding and outline specific parenting responsibilities, including who the child will live with, how time is shared, and how decisions about the child will be made. These orders are designed to protect the child’s best interests, especially in cases where safety or stability is a concern.
FAQs
Common Questions About Parenting &
Custody Disputes
A Parenting Plan is a voluntary written agreement between parents that outlines arrangements for their child, such as custody schedules and decision-making responsibilities. It’s flexible and does not require court involvement. A Parenting Order, on the other hand, is a legally binding decision issued by the Family Court, often used when parents cannot agree on arrangements or need enforceable terms.
No, Parenting Plans are not legally enforceable. However, they are recognised under the Family Law Act and can be used as evidence in court if disputes arise. If enforceability is needed, parents can apply to the Family Court for a Consent Order, which formalises the Parenting Plan into a legally binding agreement.
If a Parenting Order is breached, the affected parent can file a contravention application with the Family Court. The court may enforce the order, vary it, or impose penalties depending on the circumstances. Our lawyers can help you navigate this process and take steps to protect your rights and your child’s wellbeing.
The “Best Interests of the Child” Principle
In Australian family law, the “best interests of the child” is the cornerstone of all parenting and custody decisions. This principle ensures that your child’s wellbeing, safety, and emotional needs are the top priority when determining parenting arrangements.
The court considers several factors when applying this principle, including the child’s relationship with each parent, their need for stability, and protection from any potential harm. Decisions are made to support the child’s long-term welfare, ensuring they have a safe and nurturing environment to grow.
At Pentana Stanton Lawyers, we are committed to ensuring that your parenting arrangements reflect this principle. With our expertise, we can help you navigate the legal process and secure the best outcome for you and your family.
Testimonials
What our clients are saying
“Compassionate and Dedicated Legal Representation”
Pentana Stanton are, without a doubt, the best lawyers to represent you in court. I was often distressed about my matter, but their team consistently showed compassion and supported me in the best way possible.
Penny was relentless in fighting for me, even though my custody dispute was particularly challenging. I always felt they had my best interests at heart. I am incredibly grateful and happy with the service they provided.
Sara Winter
Google Review
012-345-6789, or 012-345-6789
Serving Melbourne & Dandenong with Trusted Legal Advice
Expert Legal Assistance When You Need It Most
Melbourne Office
Level 3 & 5,
552 Lonsdale Street,
Melbourne VIC 3000
Dandenong Office
Suite 9 (Level 1),
50-54 Robinson St,
Dandenong VIC 3175
(03) 900 22 800
reception@pstanton.com.au