Custody Rights For Fathers
What Custody Rights Do Fathers Have?
In Australia, custody rights for fathers are clear: you have the right to a meaningful relationship with your child. And the steps you take now are what will determine how that plays out.
This is not the time to get even, to lose your head, or to give up. This is the time to know your rights - and to exercise them.
Don't get lost in Overwhelm:
When your family situation changes, there are so many things to think of. Your living situation, your financial arrangement... There is often emotional as well as psychological turmoil to contend with. And all while you are holding down a job! You may assume that all is fair in love and war, but those well-meaning promises made years, decades, ago - promises to never deprive your children of a parent - may have all but fallen by the wayside.
As a father under Australian legislation, you have equal shared parental responsibility. You have a say in regards to significant decisions concerning your children’s care, welfare and development.
There is no assumption that one parent is superior or better than the other, when it comes to custody rights for fathers the Australian legislation is clear: the child’s best interests is a paramount consideration.
That means that a child has the right to spend time with each parent, and the main consideration by courts is what is in the child's best interest.
Conversation is where it begins:
When beginning negotiations around custody rights for fathers, it is always best to start with conversation. If you are able to keep front of mind what you have in common - the best interests of your child - it can be a game changer. Keep bringing the conversation back to this, and if possible avoid other non-related and subjects - and you will start making your way to the beginning of a resolution.
However, we recognise that with some parents, things have deteriorated to the point where meaningful conversation is not possible. Again - do not give up hope! That is the exact reason that we are here. We can negotiate on your behalf, we can liase with your ex partner or their solicitor on all matters around custody rights for fathers, around asset division and around any matter pertaining to your rights as a father.
Here at Full Circle Legal we also offer mediation services, right through to Family Dispute Resolution if needed. Every case is different - and we suggest you call for your free consultation so we can assess the best way forward for your matter.