Changing or Enforcing Parenting Orders
Changing or enforcing parenting orders can be challenging, especially when communication breaks down, and Law Tram helps you connect with licensed Australian lawyers who understand how the Family Law Act deals with variations, contraventions and compliance issues. This obligation-free online service supports you in understanding when orders can be changed, how enforcement works and what steps you can take to protect your child’s wellbeing.
Need to update or enforce a parenting order?
Parenting orders are made by the court to formalise care arrangements for children after separation. These orders are legally binding and must be followed. But life changes, and sometimes the arrangements that worked before are no longer practical, fair, or safe.
Whether you’re struggling with a parent who is not complying with an order, or you need to make changes due to new circumstances, it’s important to understand your legal options and how to take action the right way.
Law Tram connects you with lawyers who can help you enforce or vary a parenting order in a way that protects your child’s best interests and supports your rights as a parent.
Law Tram's Legal Partners can assist with parenting order matters, including:
- Applying to the court to vary existing parenting orders
- Enforcing parenting orders when the other party is not complying
- Advising on what counts as a breach of a parenting order
- Supporting parents dealing with relocations, changing work hours, or health issues
- Responding to allegations of non-compliance
- Seeking urgent or interim orders in high-risk situations
- Explaining your rights when the other parent withholds access or changes plans
- Helping with parenting orders affected by family violence or safety concerns
- Negotiating revised arrangements without going back to court
- Drafting clear parenting orders that reduce future disputes
Why choose Law Tram
- Connect with lawyers experienced in parenting order variations and enforcement
- Secure and private intake to outline sensitive parenting circumstances
- Fast guidance on contraventions, breaches and change of circumstances
- No obligation to engage a lawyer unless you choose to proceed
- Lawyers help you understand your rights and responsibilities clearly
How it works
Confidential and Secure Questionnaire
Start by completing our secure online questionnaire. This step allows you to provide essential details about your family law matter and personal circumstances.
Confidential Legal Snapshots
Law Tram’s advanced technology generates a confidential legal brief summarising your situation while keeping your personal details private.
Review by Licensed Australian Lawyers
Your confidential legal snapshot is shared with our network of vetted lawyers who review your case to determine how they can assist.
Connect with a Lawyer
If a lawyer believes they can help, they will initiate a chat with you through the Law Tram platform. Your contact details remain private unless you choose to share them.
No Obligation
You are under no pressure to retain any lawyer unless you are confident in their ability to assist. Law Tram empowers you to make informed decisions.
What Others Are Saying
Legal information only – not a substitute for advice
This page provides general legal information only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as such. Parenting orders have legal force and changing or enforcing them can involve deadlines and risks. You should seek advice from an Australian Legal Practitioner to ensure you are properly protected.
Note: “Free service” refers only to Law Tram’s platform and process, not the legal advice itself.
Take the first step toward resolution
Law Tram offers a secure, efficient and supportive way to connect with lawyers who understand the legal issues involved in changing or enforcing parenting orders. Whether you are seeking a variation, responding to a contravention allegation or dealing with non-compliance, our platform helps you access tailored legal advice before you proceed.
Take the first step with clarity and peace of mind by starting your free online consultation with Law Tram now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If there has been a significant change in circumstances, you can apply to vary the orders.
You may be able to enforce the order through the court. A lawyer can help assess your situation and explain your options.
Not always. If both parties agree, you can prepare a new parenting plan or apply for Consent Orders.
Breaching an order without a reasonable excuse can result in penalties. The court may issue warnings, change orders, or apply fines or community service.
Reasons such as illness, safety concerns, or misunderstandings may be accepted, but must be supported with evidence.
A significant change may include relocation, new safety concerns, changes in a child’s needs or meaningful shifts in each parent’s capacity to care. A lawyer can assess whether your situation meets the legal threshold.
Yes. Consistent non-compliance may justify a contravention application or a request to vary the orders. A lawyer can explain which option best suits your circumstances.
Penalties depend on the seriousness of the breach and may include make-up time, fines or, in serious cases, community service. A lawyer can outline possible outcomes and what to expect.