The Best Interests Of Your Children

This is a fundamental principle in Family Law when a Court is working out how much time children should spend with their parents. The Court needs to consider 2 primary considerations to determine what is in the best interests of each child. There are other considerations as well.

A Meaningful Relationship With Each Parent

A major consideration is each child having a meaningful relationship with each parent. What is that? Each alternate weekend? Half of the school holidays?

Generally it is more than this. It is not about the quantity but rather the quality of time. With a focus on the future and not the past.

The law requires the Court to focus on the rights of the child and the parental responsibilities the parent has to the child and not the parental rights. What will best serve the child.

There is no one size fits all formula. The nature and quality of the relationship between the parent and child is assessed on a case by case basis. It is important that you speak with an experienced family lawyer early.