Separated parents – Have you made arrangements for your children for this upcoming Christmas holiday period?

It is approximately 7 weeks until Christmas. 

Parents of children in separated families are reminded that time is running out to come to agreement about arrangements over the Christmas period.

Unfortunately if parents cannot agree about Christmas holiday arrangements they may need to ask a judge of the Federal Circuit Court to make orders dictating the arrangements as to with whom the children will live and spend time with over the Christmas holiday period.

Depending on their circumstances, parents may be required to undertake Compulsory Family Dispute Resolution about parenting arrangements before being heard by a judge about the matter.

If parents cannot come to agreement then they must file their applications in the Federal Circuit Court as soon as possible to attempt to secure a hearing date before the upcoming Christmas holiday period.  The Federal Circuit Court will endeavor to accommodate parents before the Christmas holidays subject to urgency and judge availability. 

For more information about making arrangements in relation to your family following separation please contact Belinda Spong or our Family Law team by email family@mst.com.au or by telephone +61 8540 0200.