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Perth, Gosnells, Victoria Park, & Kwinana Parenting and Consent Plans

ADRAMS Mediation Services provides a SAFE, neutral and unbiased service. Our clients can discuss the care and maintenance of their children, themselves as individuals and parents.

We operate in Perth Metro area; Gosnells, Victoria Park, and Kwinana

Australian Family Law now requires that all Parents must attempt Family Dispute Resolution before beginning proceedings in the Family Court of Western Australia in relation to children.

ADRAMS supports Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Families and communities. We can provide translators if required at reasonable costs.

Changes to Parenting Plans

Parenting plans fact sheet | Attorney-General’s Department

The changes to Parenting – The Best Interests of the Child –  as at 6th May 2024 provide information for parents to consider when making a parenting plan. This includes who can make a parenting plan, what a parenting plan can include, and the need to prioritise the best interests of the child. 

 

 

Exceptions

Exceptions do apply where Domestic Violence and other risk factors are present.

  • Where risk factors are evidenced by Safety and Risk Assessment, a s60I Certificate is issued by the FDRP.

Jo-Anne is an Australian Attorney General Department registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.

  • Certificates may be under section 60I of the Family Law Act 1975 (Commonwealth) by Joanne as required.
  • These are filed with any Family Court Initiating Application by a parent.

Did you know that Family Dispute Resolution process may not be required prior to Family Court proceedings?

  • This happens where there is family violence, child abuse or matters of urgency.

Not certain what to do?  ADRAMS Principal Mediator Jo-Anne offers a FREE 15minute Call back to discuss your options?  To book a call-back  from Jo-Anne

The Process

The process of family dispute resolution includes:

  1. The initiating (1st) person makes contact with Jo-Anne seeking family dispute resolution.
  2. An Intake and Assessment Session (and Pre-Mediation)  is conducted with the first person.
  3. The second person (partner) is then invited for family dispute resolution process session
  4. Jo-Anne then undertakes an Intake and Assessment Session with the second person/partner.
  5. Lastly, a Joint Session is conducted between both parties.

It is important that Family Dispute Resolution is conducted by a professional FDR Practitioner/Lawyer with the specialist training, having a thorough understanding of family law and conflict resolution.

Agreement

If you reach agreement, Jo-Anne will prepare a draft Parenting Plan which Both parents are required to sign and date the document to formalise it into a Parenting Plan. This is a requirement under Legislation

FAMILY LAW ACT 1975 – SECT 63C Meaning of parenting plan and related terms (austlii.edu.au)

  1.  Existing court orders, can be changed by Parenting Plans.

Parenting Orders

The Family Courts may look at recent Parenting Plans in making Parenting Orders. These are lodged and filed by your lawyer in the Family Court.

Importantly, any Parenting Plans reached between parents should :

  1. Ensure that formal requirements are met so as to be admissible in Court.
  2. Be certain that any existing Parenting Orders be preserved so those Orders work together with any previous rules intended to remain in effect.
  3. Ensure that Parenting Plans are drafted in a clear, concise, way, so there is no misunderstanding of what is agreed by each parent.
  4. If a party that resists/ changes their mind following the Agreement, the resulting action is in compliance breach. This can also be where there are any current violence restraining orders.
  5. The Parenting Plans must comply with any relevant laws. This includes those providing for Interstate and overseas travel.
  6. Clearly state the terms both parents agree in respect to their child(ren) for school; holiday; special occasions and more.
  7. As a result, both parents know their boundaries in dealing with their children.

Agreements can be kept informal, or plans can be signed by each parent to demonstrate their commitment to them.

  • These plans can also be lodged at the Family Court of WA to be converted to Parenting Orders by your lawyer.

Child and Family Focused Mediation

Jo-Anne McNamara provides Family Dispute Resolution and Mediation Services in Perth, WA that are Child and Family Focused, aimed at:

  1. Both parties may resolve issues between them in a neutral, non biased, respectful and safe environment.
  2. To provide the parties with information, referrals as required or necessary to access community resources, relevant / appropriate services to help the parties.
  3. Include referrals for legal advice to Legal practitioners.
  4. If Agreement is reached, the parties are assisted in the preparation of:
    1. Parenting Plans; or
    2. Applications for Consent Orders and Minutes of Consent Orders via Legal Practitioners.
  5. The process may open a way that empowers, creates the ability of the parties to make choices.
    • This helps to build both a positive and co‑operative parenting relationship in the future for the child(ren) .

We do not give Legal Advice. We can provide referrals to Legal Practitioners where required.

 

What Parents Need to Know from Children