National Children’s Week and Understanding importance of “Best Interest of the Children”

In light of National Children's Week, I wanted to share an article on parenting plan, as stipulated in The Family Law Act 1975 clearly that the “best interest of the children” must be thought of during a separation/divorce.
For couples separating, it is a mandatory requirement that they undertake Family Dispute Resolution with a registered Practitioner. This empowers the parents to make decisions and reach an agreement for their own children in the presence of a registered mediator.
What is a Parenting Plan?
If your Parenting Agreement is written, signed and dated it becomes a Parenting Plan. It is not enforceable but can sometimes replace the terms of a court order and a court must take into consideration any Parenting Plan that replaces Court Orders.  If you have been to court previously the FDR Practitioner will look at your most recent Court Orders during pre-mediation and advise you if a Parenting Plan can modify the terms of the order.
What is Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)?
Family Dispute Resolution is a dispute resolution process where Family Dispute Resolution practitioners assist people who are ending their relationships to resolve issues related to the ongoing care of their children, and or the division of their property and other financial matters. Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners are accredited mediators who have post graduate studies at the Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution level or above and have been approved by the Attorney Generals Department to mediate these matters.  FDR Practitioners are bound by rules of conduct and a code of ethics which deal with how the FDR process must be facilitated.

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