Parenting arrangements outline how children will spend time with each parent after separation. These arrangements must prioritise stability, safety and predictability for the children. At Adams United Lawyers, we prepare Parenting Plans and Consent Orders with a clear, practical structure that aligns with the Family Law Act 1975. As parenting matters are governed by Federal Law, we assist Australia-wide.
Parenting Plans
A Parenting Plan is a written agreement between parents that sets out the care arrangements for their children. Parenting Plans are useful when parents communicate effectively and can reach agreement without needing enforceable court orders.
A Parenting Plan may include:
- Weekly and fortnightly care schedules
- School holiday arrangements
- Christmas, Easter and birthdays
- Changeover locations and times
- Communication between child and parents
- Rules around travel and passports
- Medical, schooling and major decisions
- Guidelines around new partners
- Safety and wellbeing provisions
Parenting Plans are not enforceable, but they can be persuasive evidence if a matter later proceeds to court.
Consent Orders
Consent Orders are formal parenting arrangements approved by the Federal Circuit and Family Court. These are legally enforceable and provide a high level of certainty and protection.
Consent Orders are appropriate where:
- A clear, structured routine is needed
- There is a risk of non-compliance
- Long-term stability is required
- Safety concerns exist
- Parents want enforceable terms
Consent Orders can be made entirely on paperwork. No court attendance is required. We prepare all drafting, amendments and filing for a fixed fee.
How Parenting Arrangements Are Decided
All parenting matters must meet the Best Interests of the Child test, which includes:
- Protecting children from harm, abuse and family violence
- Providing stability, routine and predictability
- Preserving meaningful relationships (where safe)
- Meeting developmental, emotional and practical needs
- Considering age, distance, schooling and travel
- Listening to the child’s views (depending on maturity)
Our drafting ensures these factors are addressed with clarity and purpose.
High-Risk and Complex Parenting Matters
We frequently assist families in complex circumstances, including:
- Domestic and family violence
- Coercive control
- Parental substance misuse
- Medical neglect
- Child Safety involvement (IPA and Safety Plans)
- Parental withholding
- High-conflict communication
- Relocation and interstate disputes
- Supervised or supported contact
We provide trauma-informed support with a child-focused approach.
What We Draft
We prepare all documents required to formalise parenting arrangements, including:
- Parenting Plans
- Consent Orders
- Affidavits
- Risk and safety annexures
- Supervised contact conditions
- Sole parental responsibility clauses
- Travel and relocation rules
- Communication protocols
- Rules around new partners
- Stabilisation arrangements for younger children
All documents are tailored to your children’s specific needs and routines.
Our Process and Fixed Fees
We provide a transparent fixed-fee structure with no hourly billing.
Our Process
- Free intake with Katie
- Consultation with Darren Adams (Principal Solicitor)
- Drafting of Parenting Plan or Consent Orders
- Revisions and negotiation
- Signing and filing through the court
We service clients throughout Australia.
Common Parenting Clauses
- Week-on/week-off arrangements
- 2-2-3 or 4-5-5 schedules
- Alternate weekends
- Sole parental responsibility (where risk exists)
- Shared parental responsibility for major decisions
- Medical decision-making clauses
- Non-denigration terms
- Travel and passport rules
- Holiday and special occasion rotation
- Supported or supervised time
- Changeover guidelines
Why Choose Adams United Lawyers
- Fixed-fee pricing
- National service
- Fast turnaround
- Trauma-informed practice
- Extensive DV and high-conflict experience
- Clear and practical drafting
- Mediation and negotiation support
We aim to reduce conflict and create long-term stability for your children.
Parenting FAQ (Paste into Yoast FAQ Block)
What is a Parenting Plan?
A Parenting Plan is a written, non-enforceable agreement that outlines care arrangements between parents.
This differs from financial matters, where Binding Financial Agreements are legally binding and enforceable.
Some parents prefer legally enforceable Consent orders.
What are Consent Orders?
Consent Orders are court-approved arrangements that are legally enforceable.
Do we need to attend court?
No. Consent Orders are processed on paperwork only.
What if there is family violence?
Safety is the primary consideration. The court may order supervised time or sole parental responsibility.
Can we have shared care?
Yes, where shared care is safe, practical and in the child’s best interests.
Do you assist with relocation?
Yes. We provide full advice and drafting for relocation and interstate parenting matters.
Contact Adams United Lawyers
External Links
DVConnect – Womensline & Mensline (Queensland)
https://www.dvconnect.org
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia – Parenting
https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/have-your-say/parenting
Family Law Act 1975 (Federal Register of Legislation)
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A01510
Attorney-General’s Department – Family Law
https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/family-law
Parenting Orders – FCFCOA Guide
https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/parenting-orders
Australian Government – Family Relationships Advice Line
https://www.familyrelationships.gov.au
Child Support – Services Australia
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-support
1800RESPECT – National Domestic Violence Counselling Service
https://www.1800respect.org.au
