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The hardest part of a relationship breakdown is often the effect it has on the family, and in particular on the children. Who will the children live with? How much time will they spend with each parent? Who makes the big decisions about school, health and religion?
“Custody” is the word most people use, but the Family Law Act 1975 talks about who a child lives with and spends time with, and who has parental responsibility. Our team explains what that means for your family in plain English and helps you reach an outcome that works, while keeping legal costs down.
We help parents, grandparents and carers in Orange, Bathurst, Blayney, Molong, Cowra, Parkes and across the Central West, in person by appointment or by phone and video.
Orange · by appointment only
Dubbo · by appointment only
Phone and video appointments available
Most parents in Orange sort out arrangements for their children without a judge. Once you agree, there are two ways to record it.
We encourage parents to start by talking with each other. If that isn’t working, we can negotiate on your behalf and support you through mediation.
When the Court makes parenting orders, the child’s best interests are the paramount consideration. Since 6 May 2024, the Court looks at a simpler list of factors, including:
There is no longer a presumption of “equal shared parental responsibility”, and there is no automatic 50/50 rule. Every family is assessed on its own facts.
Clear advice. Real support. People in your corner.
Most family law matters in Orange are resolved without a judge. We focus on negotiation, mediation and agreement wherever possible, and if court is needed, you’ll have experienced advocates beside you.
First, try to make contact and arrange the child’s safe return. If the other person refuses, the Court can make a Recovery Order, which directs police to find and return the child. Act quickly: urgent applications are treated as a priority, and delay can affect your case.
If you don’t know where your child is, a Location Order can require a person or government agency to give the Court information about the child’s whereabouts.
The Court can make orders restraining a parent from removing a child from Australia, and ask the Australian Federal Police to place the child’s name on the Family Law Watchlist at airports and seaports (see the Court’s guide to children and international travel). Call us straight away if you have concerns.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 000. For urgent family law advice about a child’s safety, recovery or overseas travel, call us now.
Court is a last resort, but if it’s needed we’ll prepare you for every step. Matters for Orange families are listed at the Federal Circuit and Family Court’s Orange circuit or the Dubbo registry, and many hearings are now held electronically.
Shared care (where children spend substantial time with each parent) tends to work best when:
For families spread across the Central West, travel time between Orange, Bathurst, Parkes or Cowra can be a real factor. We’ll help you design a schedule that suits your children’s ages, school and activities.
Grandparents and other people concerned with a child’s care can also apply for parenting orders. Read about grandparents’ rights →
Child support is usually assessed by Services Australia, separately from parenting arrangements. We can advise on binding and limited child support agreements.
Special Counsel · Solicitor in Charge, Orange, Dubbo & Orana
Julie leads our family law work for clients in Orange and across the Central West. Admitted as a solicitor in New South Wales in 1998, she brings more than 25 years’ experience across all areas of family law, with particular skill in dispute resolution and arbitration.
Clients value Julie’s kind, considerate and compassionate approach. She’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and your family.
Julie is supported by ALA Law’s family law Partners Amanda Little, Rosemary Aloisio and Bernadette Melhem, each an Accredited Specialist in Family Law.
No. There is no automatic 50/50 arrangement and, since May 2024, no presumption of equal shared parental responsibility. Arrangements are based on what is in the child’s best interests, including their safety and their relationship with each parent.
There is no set age. The Court considers any views a child expresses, giving more weight to the views of older and more mature children, but the final decision is always based on the child’s best interests.
Generally yes. You must attempt family dispute resolution and obtain a section 60I certificate before filing, unless an exception applies, such as family violence, child abuse or urgency. Family mediation in Orange →
A parenting plan is a flexible written agreement that isn’t enforceable. Consent orders are made by the Court, are legally binding and can be enforced if they aren’t followed.
If a move would significantly affect the children’s time with the other parent, you should get the other parent’s written agreement or a court order first. Relocating without either can lead to a recovery order. Get advice before you move.
It depends on whether your matter settles by agreement or needs court. We’ll discuss fees openly at the start, give you a clear estimate and look for ways to keep costs down, such as mediation and consent orders.
Book a confidential appointment. We’ll listen, explain your options and help you take the next step with confidence.