Media Release
9 April 2020
FLPA endorses reasonable and sensible approach to parenting orders
The Family Law Practitioners Association of Queensland (FLPA) supports the statement from the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court (the Courts) encouraging parents to take a reasonable and sensible approach to ensure they comply with existing parenting orders during the current pandemic, including over the Easter weekend.
In the Chief Justice’s (the Honourable William Alstergren) statement from the Courts, he clarifies what is expected of parents in these unprecedented times.
FLPA president James Steel said family law practitioners were supportive of the statement that urges parents to do what they can to fulfil their existing parenting orders, keeping in mind what is in the best interests of their children.
“The Court has given family law practitioners as well as parents a clear directive on how parenting orders are affected by the COVID-19 virus,” said Mr Steel.
“Parents should continue to comply with parenting orders and children should continue to spend time with each parent.”
“There are going to be situations where this is not possible or not safe for the children, but we strongly discourage parents from using the current circumstances as an excuse to frustrate compliance with orders.”
“The Courts’ statement makes clear if orders cannot be complied with that parents should communicate with each other to find a practical solution to these difficulties,” Mr Steel said.
Mr Steel encouraged parents who were unsure about their parenting orders and needed advice to contact their family lawyer, the Family Relationships Advice Line or Family Dispute Resolution Services.
The Family Law Practitioners Association of Queensland is the leading professional body for family law professionals in Queensland and is a proactive, professional, and collegiate association. The Association represents family lawyers, barristers and other family law practitioners.
-ENDS-
For further information, please contact:
Caroline Thurlow | 0414 565 575 | caroline@altitudepr.com.au
