Child Custody & Support Lawyers in Brisbane

Our specialised family law team is here to help you through the confusing labyrinth of Australian law. Whether you have questions and want to secure a friendly agreement or require strong representation in an argument, a seasoned child custody lawyer can make sure your voice is heard and your children’s best interests are upheld.

Understanding Parenting Arrangements in Australia

The word ‘custody’ is frequently used in conversation, but under Australian Family Law, we use ‘parental responsibility’ and ‘live with/spend time with’. The law centres on the child’s rights to have a meaningful relationship with each parent if it is safe to do so. This kind of terminology can be tricky to get your head around, and the legal framework is confusing. An experienced child custody attorney will inform you about:

• Parental Responsibility: Who is responsible for making long-term decisions such as education, health, and religion?
• Live With Arrangements: Where the child will usually stay.
• Spend Time With Arrangements: Where and when the child can visit the other parent.
• Specific Issues: Conflicts regarding passports, travel or medical procedures.

How We Can Help You

At Dam Lawyers, we are of the view that the best outcomes for children tend to come outside of the courtroom. Negotiation and mediation are emphasised to lower arguments and stress. However, we will be ready to defend you in court if needed.

Parenting Plans and Consent Orders

If you and your former partner have come to an agreement, we can help make it stick. A lawyer for child custody on our team can either write or file for a Parenting Plan (a flexible, non-binding agreement) and can also request Consent Orders (a legal agreement endorsed by the Court). This guarantees certainty for all involved.

Family Dispute Resolution 

Most parents are required to try Family Dispute Resolution (mediation) before heading to court. We can help you structure your proposal well enough to go through this process. In cases where mediation fails, we do have access to the appropriate certificates to initiate a court application.

Court Representation

If an amicable resolution is not possible – because of urgency, family violence or thorny disagreement – you will need a skilled, legally-trained lawyer for child custody. We will prepare your affidavits, represent you in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and advocate for an outcome prioritising your child’s best interests.

Why Choose Dam Lawyers?

• Child-Focused Approach: Children are the focus of each case at all times. We try to avoid strife wherever possible and encourage co-parenting relationships as much as possible.
• Clear Communication: Legalese is overpowering. We break down the whole operation into plain language so you can make better decisions.
• Cost-Effective Solutions: We understand that it takes money to do legal consulting. We act expeditiously, providing transparent pricing and fixed fees as appropriate.
• Safety First: If you are experiencing domestic violence or other safety-related issues, we take immediate action to put protection in place.

When Do You Need a Lawyer for Child Custody?

While some amicable separations can be made privately, you should seek a child custody lawyer if:

• You have no agreement on where the children should live.
• The other parent is withholding the children from you.
• There are allegations of drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or family violence.
• One parent wants to move with the children to another city or state.
• You need to alter the current court orders.

Let Us Help You Move Forward

Parenting disputes are never easy. Let us give you the clarity and confidence you are looking for. Contact us today for a confidential solution, and let’s work together on creating a secure future for your children. Read Less