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Practical guides to organising records and preparing for legal discussions. Browse a topic or search a question.
Self-employed income in a maintenance case
Use a consistent period of business records to explain variable income. A single month's turnover is different from personal disposable income.
FamilyDisclosing existing maintenance awards in another case
Keep and disclose the complete existing award when another support application is considered. Parallel proceedings do not justify concealing earlier relief.
FamilyChild custody and the welfare inquiry
A custody dispute focuses on the child's welfare under the applicable legal framework. A parent's preferred arrangement or financial position alone does not settle…
FamilySeeking an interim parenting arrangement
An interim application should identify the immediate care problem and a workable temporary proposal. It need not attempt to resolve every long-term parenting…
FamilyParenting-time handover arrangements
A useful handover arrangement states when, where and how the child moves between carers. Vague terms can create avoidable conflict even when contact is agreed.
FamilySchool decisions during a parenting dispute
Check the existing custody or parenting order before changing a child's school or withholding education records. Practical urgency does not remove the need to…
FamilyRelocating with a child during a family dispute
Before relocating, examine existing parenting directions and the effect on contact, schooling and care. A move can raise issues beyond the relocating parent's…
FamilyApplying for appointment as a child's guardian
A guardianship application asks the court to exercise a statutory power; family agreement alone does not answer every issue about a child's person or property.
FamilyAn urgent child-safety issue in a family case
Identify the immediate risk and seek prompt, appropriate help. A long chronology should not obscure where the child is now and what protection is needed.
FamilyWho can seek relief under the Domestic Violence Act?
Eligibility depends on the Act's definitions, including the domestic relationship and alleged domestic violence. A disagreement alone does not resolve those…
FamilyProtection orders under the Domestic Violence Act
A protection application should explain the conduct to be restrained and the facts supporting the request. An order's exact terms determine what it prohibits.
FamilyResidence relief and a shared household
A right-to-reside or residence-order question must be examined under the Domestic Violence Act and the actual household facts. It should not be confused with a…