Parenting Orders & Parental Responsibility

The Family Court has a process for establishing and enforcing parenting orders. However, enforcement of those orders is discretionary and the discretion will be exercised with the best interests of your child as a starting point.

If your partner breaches a parenting order, you can file a contravention application in the Court. The Court can then make orders, including for:

• Punishment of the contravening parent, for example by fines;

• Consensual resolution through mediation, negotiation or counselling;

• Make up time with the children;

• Variation of the original order.

Contravention applications should be made promptly, as delay can be fatal to any enforcement action.

Please contact us to obtain detailed advice regarding contravention applications and remedies for enforcing parenting orders generally.