The Best Interests of the Child
The Family Law Act 1975 is built on the assumption that any decisions should be made in the best interests of the child.
The wording of the law indicates that any decisions should be made with the wellbeing of any children as the highest priority. What this means for each child may be different, but they have one thing in common: no child should be exposed to any form of abuse.
Children should be shielded from any conflict between parents.
Children should be concerned with learning and development, not drawn into parents’ conflict.
Shared Parental Responsibility
Shared parental responsibility does not mean that children will spend the same amount of time with each parent: it means that each parent has the same responsibility for the child and will have influence in making major decisions for the child’s wellbeing. This exists unless removed by a Court.
