Family Law - Do Divorce Courts Consider Children’s Wishes

Do Divorce Courts Consider Children’s Wishes?

Divorce is typically difficult for children as they may respond in various ways to their parents separating. However, family lawyers can ease this difficult time for them by advising ways in which children’s wishes can be considered by the court.

The court is not, however, obligated to follow a child’s opinions. Children’s opinions are not the only relevant factor, and the Family Court is only obligated to assign such weight to those opinions it deems necessary in light of all the facts in each individual case.

Considerations In The Family Law Act

The Family Law Act includes a variety of factors that must be taken into account when making parenting orders, including any opinions held by the child and any conditions, such as the child’s age or maturity, the court finds relevant when assessing how much weight to assign to those opinions.

The Family Law Act does not specify a particular age when children’s views will or will not be considered. Instead, whether the Court accepts the wishes of a child will depend on the emotional stability of the child and how strongly the child’s views are articulated.

Family Law

Unbundled Family Law - Separation on a budget

Separation On A Budget – Where To From Here?

Separation brings with it the inevitable challenge of restructuring finances, moving out of the family home and, for couples with children, trying to navigate suitable and sustainable parenting arrangements.

With so many ‘balls in the air’ it’s no wonder many people have no idea where to turn for assistance.

Fortunately, there are resources available to assist parties going through separation and without the expense of engaging a private lawyer on a costly legal retainer.

Family Dispute Resolution (‘FDR’)

It’s often difficult for separating couples to ‘see the forest for the trees’ with heightened emotions around the care of children and finances sometimes standing in the way of clear and rational thinking.

FDR, often referred to as mediation and facilitated by trained professionals, is not only required in children’s matters prior to initiating action in the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court (subject to some exceptions), but provides a safe environment for separating couples to both discuss and attempt to resolve their differences.

Family Law

Running Your Own Family Law Case: Where Do I Find Court Forms?

Running Your Own Family Law Case: Where Do I Find Court Forms?

Whether you are seeking a divorce or property, financial or parenting orders arising out of a relationship breakdown, all of the Court forms that you will need to file can be found online on the relevant Court website.

Which Court?

Family Law matters can be heard in the Family Court of Australia and Federal Circuit Court of Australia.  They can also be heard in the Family Court of Western Australia for those in WA.

In general, the Family Court of Australia hears more complex matters.  The overwhelming majority of cases are heard in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia.

Regardless of whether you are filing an application in the Family Court of Australia, Federal Circuit Court of Australia or Family Court of Western Australia, all of the Court forms you should require can be downloaded on each Court’s respective website.

If you are unsure about which Court you should file in, Accelerate Family Law can point you in the right direction.

Family Law