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COMPLEX PARENTING MATTERS

Parenting matters can be complex for a variety of reasons. It is common to see high conflict relationships in complex parenting matters where separation and parenting arrangements has become a “battleground”.

There are also other issues that can cause a parenting matter to become complex, including the following situations:

  • One or both of the parents abuse drugs or alcohol, or have other substance abuse concerns
  • One or both of the parents suffer from psychological disorders, particularly if they are untreated or parents are not following the recommendations of mental health professionals
  • There is family violence between the children’s parents, or by one of the parents towards the children
  • There is family violence between one of the parents and a new partner
  • Allegations of child abuse, sexual abuse or neglect have been made
  • There are complex family relationships with extended family members or within blended families
  • The children have special needs, such as neurodiversity or medical conditions that result in them being developmentally different to other children their age
  • The parents are in dispute about the medical or psychological needs of a child and how those needs ought to be met
  • There is a significant dispute about an aspect of the care of the children that is ordinarily routine
  • Matters involving very young children, including those who are born after separation has occurred
  • One or both of the parents does not have suitable accommodation for children
  • One or both of the parents are unable to meet the day to day care needs of the children

Sometimes complex parenting matters will contain multiple complexities such as the ones listed above. This list is not exhaustive and there may be other matters affecting your family that are creating complexities.