Parenting arrangements after separation (Australia)

Australia does not use the words custody or access. Parenting arrangements say who a child lives with and who they spend time with, and who makes major decisions. Most families settle this in a parenting plan, a signed written agreement, and some ask the court to make it into consent orders.

If you cannot agree, family dispute resolution comes first, then an application to the Federal Circuit and Family Court for parenting orders. Everything turns on the child’s best interests.

• A parenting plan is signed and dated by both parents but is not enforceable; consent orders are (legalaid.vic.gov.au).
• Family dispute resolution is required before most parenting applications, with exceptions for family violence and urgency (legalaid.vic.gov.au).
• The court’s words are lives with, spends time with and communicates with, and they are the words to use in your plan.

Sources checked September 2026. Government pages change; the links go to the official page for the latest.

• A written parenting plan you both sign is the starting point almost everywhere.
• Courts expect you to try mediation before applying, unless there is family violence.
• Orders are about the child’s best interests, not about which parent is right.
• A clear shared record of handovers and messages makes every later step calmer.

Whatever route you take, a calm shared record helps. ParenThing keeps messages, the calendar, costs and handovers in one private place both parents can see, and your data is held in the EU. See how it works for Australian families.