-- MacDonnells Law and Catherine Ross are pleased to announce the release of an article featuring information about legislation related to same-sex marriage and parenting issues for such couples. As the debate over such marriage arrangements continues, the legal firm focuses on issues which affect couples of the same sex who are dealing with parenting arrangements following separation. A major element in the parenting arrangements is that the child's best interests are paramount.
Under the Family Law Act (Act), subject to any Court Orders to the contrary, each parent of a child under 18 years has parental responsibility for the child. This means that each parent, including same-sex couples, will have all the duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which, by law, parents have in relation to their children. This includes the ability to make decisions in relation to education and schooling, religion and medical issues. Whether a couple is married or in a de facto relationship does not affect the manner in which a Court determines an Application for parenting orders. Marital status itself is not a specific consideration for the Court when determining parenting matters.
When dealing with parenting matters and the arrangements for children moving forward, the Court will consider the benefits to the child of having a meaningful relationship with each of its parents together with the need to protect a child from any abuse, neglect or psychological harm. A greater weight will be placed on the need to protect a child from any harm when considering these two issues.
Other considerations which the Court may take into account which includes any views which may be expressed by the child; the extent to which each parent has been involved in the care of the child, including their involvement in long-term decision making and the time they have spent with the child and communicated with the child; the nature of the relationship the child has with each of the parents and any other person, including siblings and grandparents; and the likely effect of any changes to the child's circumstances, including the effect on the child of any separation from the other parent and/or its siblings.
The family lawyers are available to consult with potential clients to provide suggestions and tips on a path forward. They also advise on parenting arrangements.
Contact Info:
Name: Catherine Ross
Email: Send Email
Organization: MacDonnells Law
Address: Level 2, 19 Aplin Street, Cairns City QLD 4870
Phone: (07) 4030 0600
Website: https://macdonnells.com.au/same-sex-marriage-and-parenting-arrangements/
Release ID: 305037
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