New Parenting Laws: What Separating Parents Need to Know

As of 6 May 2024, Australia’s parenting laws have changed, removing the automatic presumption of equal shared responsibility and simplifying how courts decide parenting arrangements. Instead of assuming parents must make all major decisions together or have equal time, the focus is now fully on the child’s best interests—including safety, emotional well-being, and practical parenting arrangements.

If you’re separating, these changes mean you have more flexibility to create a parenting plan that truly works for your child, rather than following a rigid formula. Mediation is the best way to navigate these new laws, helping you find fair, child-focused solutions without the stress of court.