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 Decision Making
Typically, parents have Shared Decision Making responsibilities.
This means that they are responsible for the major factors in their lives, such as schooling, religion, medical care, name changes and international travel.
Each of these topics can be negotiated in Family Dispute Resolution.
