Szabo & Associates News & Updates

When divorce and separation happens the impact on children’s lives can be considerable. This can be the case even where the parents maintain a reasonable relationship. However, this is multiplied where conflict is on-going between the parents. In these cases co-parenting can prove particularly difficult. Parallel parenting offers an alternative way to support the children’s well-being when co-parenting is not working or a practical proposition.

There is no single definition of parental alienation, but occurs where a child’s resistance or hostility to one parent is not justified and is the result of psychological manipulation by the other parent. It happens when one parent deliberately undermines and damages the relationship that the other parent has with their child. For example, when one parent makes nasty comments, manipulates or makes untrue allegations.

In NSW, an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is an order that a Court can make against a person who makes another fear for their safety. Its purpose is protection from further violence, intimidation or harassment.  There are actually two types of Order. An Apprehended Personal Violence Order (APVO) is used where those involved are not related to each other and not having a domestic relationship. An Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) is used where those persons involved are in a domestic relationship. This means, for example, people who are related, living together, or in a current or former relationship.

Parenting orders: an essential guide 

When separated parents are unable to agree on the arrangements for the care of children, and mediation has not been able to resolve the issues, they can apply for a parenting order from the Court.

Disputes as to who the father of a child is can arise, for example, because a partner has been told they are not the father, or alternatively, a biological father denies this to be the case.