As Perth family lawyers, we often get asked about who gets the kids on Father’s Day and Mother’s Day.
With Father’s Day just around the corner again, now is a good time to start thinking about care arrangements that give your children the chance to share the day with Dad.
There is no universal rule for separated families. Finding an arrangement that suits your family means considering:
The child’s best interests
Father’s and Mother’s Days can be a source of many happy memories for children, their parents and also their grandparents.
Denying this opportunity is generally not in the children’s best interests unless allowing the visit compromises their safety in any way. Usually, the children’s best interests are met by being allowed to share special occasions with both parents including Mother’s Day with Mum and Father’s Day with Dad.
If you and your ex-partner cannot reach an agreement, a Leach Legal family lawyer may need to step in on your behalf.
Practical realities
Sometimes it is difficult to arrange a short visit, for example, if you need to travel a long distance to see your children or if you are away for work. In these cases, forward planning will avoid frustration and disappointment. If a short visit is simply impractical, perhaps a longer visit could be arranged to coincide with Father’s Day or Mother’s Day, or a video or telephone call could be set up on the special day instead.
Planning ahead includes ensuring conditions for supervised visits can be met. Remember the previous step; what is convenient for you should not be the only consideration.
Fair arrangements
If the usual arrangement (ie: seeing the children on alternating weekends) does not line up with your “Day”, you can always arrange an exceptional visit.
For example, sometimes parents will arrange an exception for 24 hours so the children can spend Father’s Day with their dad and Mother’s Day with their mum, or they swap their usual weekends around for those weekends.
Again, if you are unable to agree on what is fair for the children, a family lawyer can assist all the way through a court matter if required.
Leach Legal are experienced family lawyers helping Perth families to reach amicable arrangements. Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your options and rights before Father’s Day.
