Child Custody and Care Arrangements
Child custody and care arrangements can be emotionally difficult, and Law Tram helps you connect with licensed Australian lawyers who can explain parenting rights, responsibilities and the legal steps involved. This obligation-free online service supports you in understanding parenting plans, court orders, shared care options and how decisions are made based on a child’s best interests.
Confused about custody or care of your children?
In Australia, the law no longer uses the term “custody” but many parents still use it when referring to who their children live with and who makes decisions about their welfare. Legally, the focus is on parental responsibility, living arrangements, and time spent with each parent.
If you’re separating or already separated, it’s common to have questions about how these arrangements work and what your rights and responsibilities are. Whether you’re agreeing informally or need court orders, legal guidance can help ensure your child’s best interests are protected.
Law Tram connects you with lawyers who explain everything clearly and help you make decisions with confidence.
Law Tram's Legal Partners can assist with child care arrangements, including:
- Explaining your legal rights and responsibilities as a parent
- Negotiating shared care and parenting time
- Clarifying the meaning of "equal shared parental responsibility"
- Supporting primary care, supervised visits, or limited contact situations
- Preparing or reviewing parenting plans and consent orders
- Applying for parenting orders in court
- Responding to urgent issues or breaches of existing arrangements
- Helping in cases involving family violence or safety risks
- Supporting parents with special circumstances, such as FIFO work or relocation
- Advising on international or interstate care arrangements
Why choose Law Tram
- Connect with lawyers experienced in child custody and parenting matters
- Secure and private intake to outline your family circumstances
- Fast guidance on parenting plans, consent orders and shared care arrangements
- Fast guidance on parenting plans, consent orders and shared care arrangements
- Lawyers help you understand your options and your child’s rights
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 matters can be highly sensitive and legally complex. You should seek advice from an Australian Legal Practitioner as early as possible.
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 child custody and care arrangements. Whether you are negotiating a parenting plan, preparing for mediation or considering court orders, 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
Not exactly. The term is no longer used in the Family Law Act. Instead, the law refers to parental responsibility and living arrangements.
No. The law focuses on what’s in the child’s best interests, not the gender of the parent. Equal shared responsibility is common, but not always ordered.
You can try mediation or apply to the Family Court for parenting orders. A lawyer can help you prepare your case.
The child’s wishes may be considered, especially if they’re older, but they’re just one factor among many the court looks at.
Yes. Parenting plans and orders can be varied if circumstances change — but you may need legal advice or court approval.
No. Parenting plans are flexible agreements but not legally enforceable. Consent orders provide enforceable terms. A lawyer can explain which option suits your situation.
Yes. Arrangements may need to change as a child’s needs evolve. A lawyer can advise on whether a variation is appropriate and how to formalise it.
You may need mediation or, in some cases, a court determination. A lawyer can help clarify decision-making responsibilities under parental responsibility rules.