Parenting Orders and Parenting Plans
Parenting orders and parenting plans help parents formalise how care, time and decision-making responsibilities will be shared after separation, and Law Tram connects you with licensed Australian lawyers who can explain your rights and the options available. This obligation-free online service supports you in understanding how agreements are made, when court orders may be needed and how decisions are guided by a child’s best interests.
Need help with parenting arrangements after separation?
After separation, one of the most difficult and emotional tasks is working out who the children live with, how often they see each parent, and how major decisions will be made. These arrangements can be formalised through parenting plans or court orders.
A parenting plan is a written agreement made between both parents. A parenting order is made by a court and is legally enforceable. You don’t always need to go to court but even informal agreements can benefit from legal guidance to ensure they’re workable, clear, and in your child’s best interests.
Law Tram connects you with lawyers who can help you understand your options and find a solution that protects your children and supports your rights.
Law Tram's Legal Partners can assist with parenting arrangements, including:
- Drafting or reviewing parenting plans
- Applying for parenting orders through the Family Court
- Understanding the difference between parenting plans and parenting orders
- Negotiating parenting time, holidays, school arrangements, and decision-making
- Responding to a breach of existing parenting orders
- Modifying existing arrangements due to relocation or changing circumstances
- Supporting shared parenting and equal time arrangements
- Advising on supervised visits or no-contact situations
- Ensuring the child’s best interests are prioritised
- Navigating situations involving family violence or safety concerns
Why choose Law Tram
- Connect with lawyers experienced in parenting arrangements
- Secure and private intake to outline your family situation
- Fast guidance on parenting plans, consent orders and shared care options
- No obligation to engage a lawyer unless you choose to proceed
- Lawyers help you understand your rights and obligations as a parent
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 arrangements can have lasting effects on children and legal rights. 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 parenting orders and parenting plans. Whether you are negotiating an agreement, preparing for mediation or considering applying for 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
No, but legal advice is recommended to make sure the agreement is fair, workable, and protects your rights.
A parenting plan is a voluntary agreement between parents. A parenting order is made by a court and can be legally enforced.
Yes. Many parents work out arrangements privately or with the help of a mediator or lawyer.
If it’s a parenting order, you may be able to apply to enforce it. If it’s a parenting plan, you may need to renegotiate or seek a formal order.
Yes. If circumstances change, the agreement or court order can be varied, ideally with legal advice.
No. Parenting orders can be changed if circumstances shift significantly or if both parents agree to a variation. A lawyer can advise whether your situation qualifies.
Yes. Parenting plans can include day-to-day expectations, routines, communication rules and how decisions will be made. A lawyer can help draft a clear and workable plan.
Parents can test new arrangements informally, but they are not enforceable unless converted into consent orders. A lawyer can explain the safest way to implement trial arrangements.