Separation is a difficult time for all involved, especially children.
At King & York Lawyers, we understand that the hardest part of a relationship break-up is protecting your children.
Our expert family lawyers represent and advise clients who are facing challenges that involve children. We act for parents, grandparents and other interested parties in relation to a broad range of parenting and child custody matters; from simple living arrangements for children to disputes involving complex issues such as relocation, overseas travel and family violence.
By listening and working with you, we can help you work out what arrangements will be in the best interests of your children. We can also refer you to appropriate private and community based services that are able to assist you ] and your family with the changes following separation from your spouse.
Our family lawyers Sydney use a range of approaches to help you overcome your legal challenges as a parent. The approach we use will vary according to the nature of the case. Common approaches include mediation, arbitration, negotiations between lawyers or court intervention.
Parenting disputes can be settled out of court formally through consent orders, or informally through a parenting plan. Each method has different advantages and disadvantages and it is important you receive expert advice about your options if you have reached an agreement with the other parent. We can provide you with advice as to the enforceability and flexibility of each option and which option is appropriate for your needs and the needs of your children.
Here are some of our client reviews
Kristy Shepherd2024-08-07I have used Kamal and his King & York firm during my very complex interstate relocation parenting case, divorce and financial settlement for over 3 years. The support I received has been exceptional. The King & York team are extremely professional and go above and beyond in your matter. Their legal knowledge is unrivalled which is why I continue to use King & York even after relocating to another state.REMULATE2024-08-07Kamal / King and York was a godsend for me during a tricky divorce. He navigated tricky negotiations with confidence and his knowledge of the law was thorough. I felt confident and informed throughout the entire process and achieved a great result both with financials and child custody. I would highly recommend K&Y for anyone seeking a skillful and capable divorce lawyer.Cherina Gray2024-05-28Kamal was sincerely interested in my case and its emotional impact on me and my family He was very professional with a forthright approach; firm and honest with me about my options which I needed but I was always confident that he was zealous and determined to defend my case without an ounce of apprehension. I defiantly would NOT like to be his opponent! We had a great outcome due to his extensive experience particularly regarding avo cases and being able to cut to the chase and get things done so we could get on with life and move past a lot of petty nonsense. I also thank Nathan his partner/ secretary too, Nathan was so lovely and understanding My recommendation is listen to what Kamal says and you will get the best outcome Thanks again Cherina and Rob GrayReece Brady2024-05-23My experience with King and York was amazing. Their solicitors go above and beyond. Communication was amazing, I was always listened to and my concerns were taken seriously. Particularly Annalisse who represented me in a family law matter and the outcome has been life changing. The support I received throughout was second to none. I could not thank them enough and will recommend them to everyone.L C2024-05-01A huge massive thank you to Annalisse! You made an absolutely hard time into an easy, clear and thoughtful way. Thank you for assisting me and my family! Can not recommend Annalisse enough 🙏🏻🙏🏻Adam Zoupantis2024-04-24Thank you so much for all your hard work on my case, Kamal and Nathan were both outstanding with their advice and guidance, it could have been a very stressful process if it wasn't for them. We got the best result possible and I highly recommend them to anyone!Bill Ding2024-04-19I recently contacted Kamal for my case which went on for just over 15 months. Kamal and his team were highly supportive and helpful. I would highly recommend King and York Lawyers.Robert Docherty2024-04-12I am delighted to share my extraordinary experience with Kings and York Lawyers, a family law firm that truly stands out from the rest. Throughout my legal journey, I had the privilege of working closely with two exceptional individuals: Annalisse and Nathan Parnell. Their outstanding professionalism, unwavering dedication, and impeccable skills have left an indelible mark on me and my family. First and foremost, I must commend Annalisse for her remarkable expertise and unwavering commitment to her clients. From the moment we reached out to Kings and York Lawyers, Annalisse stood out with her exceptional attention to detail and profound knowledge of family law. Her ability to navigate complex legal matters with ease is a testament to her expertise and dedication. Annalisse's guidance and compassion during such a delicate time truly set her apart. She took the time to thoroughly understand our situation, always keeping our best interests at heart. Her exceptional communication skills and ability to explain legal jargon in a way that was easily understood made us feel confident and in control every step of the way. Annalisse truly went above and beyond, highlighting her passion for justice and unwavering commitment to her clients' needs. Another standout member of the Kings and York Lawyers team is Nathan Parnell. Nathan's dedication to his clients is unmatched. His willingness to go above and beyond to support and assist with any questions or concerns was truly remarkable. Time and time again, Nathan made himself available to address our queries, ensuring we were always well-informed and at ease. His attention to detail and thoroughness in every aspect of our case instilled a sense of trust and reassurance. Moreover, Nathan's professionalism and genuine care for our wellbeing were evident throughout our journey. His guidance and unwavering support propelled us forward, even during the most challenging times. Overall, Kings and York Lawyers is an outstanding family law firm, and Annalisse and Nathan Parnell are exemplary professionals within the legal field. The firm's commitment to providing exceptional service, combined with Annalisse's remarkable expertise and Nathan's unwavering dedication, sets them apart from their peers. Their genuine care, professionalism, and willingness to go the extra mile have undoubtedly made a lasting impact on my family's life. I wholeheartedly recommend Kings and York Lawyers to anyone in search of superior family law representation.Ryan W2024-03-26I cannot speak highly enough of Kamal Hamka from King and York Lawyers. Kamal has been my go-to attorney for several criminal matters, and each time, he has delivered exceptional results. His dedication to his clients is unparalleled, as he meticulously minimises all facts through liaising before sentencing and strategizes to achieve the best possible outcome. Kamal's extensive knowledge of the legal system is evident in his relentless advocacy for his clients. He fights tirelessly, leaving no stone unturned to ensure justice is served. What truly sets Kamal apart is his unwavering support and reassurance throughout the entire process. His around-the-clock responsiveness and competitive pricing make navigating legal challenges far less daunting. With Kamal by my side, I've always felt confident and in good hands. His professionalism, expertise, and genuine care for his clients make him an invaluable asset. I wholeheartedly recommend Kamal Hamka to anyone in need of legal representation—you won't find a more dedicated and skilled advocate.
Parenting issues are often far more complicated than they first appear, especially when there is disagreement. Family lawyers are highly skilled at assessing parenting issues, providing advice and working out strategies that best suit you and your children. We highly recommend that you use a lawyer for any parenting issue but especially if
At King & York our family lawyers we know that every family requires a personalised approach in parenting matters. We specialise in tailoring a pathway that is best suited to your family’s circumstances. For a free initial consultation, contact us today on 02 9290 8514. For emergency, after hours contact, please call us on 0404 529 529
Courts consider the child's best interests, including their relationship with each parent, the parents' ability to provide care, and the child's wishes.
Yes, grandparents can apply for custody or visitation rights if it's in the best interests of the child.
A parenting plan is a written agreement outlining how parents will raise their children after separation. It’s not legally binding but helps avoid disputes.
You can apply to the court to modify an order if there's a significant change in circumstances affecting the child's welfare.
You can seek legal advice to enforce the agreement or apply to the court for a compliance order.
If you and your ex-partner can’t reach an agreement for the care arrangements of your children, or if you have been denied access, you may need to apply to court for parenting orders. This is a different application from the application you would file for consent orders (above).
Before you file an application you will need to obtain a certificate that says that you have attended or attempted to attend family dispute resolution. But if there is a history of family violence or child abuse, the court may not require you to complete this step.
This kind of application will be contested because you and your ex-partner can’t agree. That means that the court will have to make a decision. To do that, it will conduct a hearing. Both parties will present evidence to the court (witnesses and documents) and legal arguments.
A court will consider what is in the best interests of the child when making parenting orders. The Family Law Act sets out a series of things that the court must consider to work this out, including:
The court will also consider a range of other factors, including the child’s wishes, religion, culture and their relationship with members of the extended family.
Under the Family Law Act, parents have shared parental responsibility for their children unless the court orders otherwise. This does not mean children have to spend an equal amount of time with either parent. However, the court will consider this. The primary consideration is always what is in the best interest of the child. In some cases, this means equal time, or substantial time, or some other amount of time.
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