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Children & parenting

This section looks at a range of topics about children and parenting. It includes information about parenting after a relationship has ended, caring for children when you are not their parent and the laws about special medical procedures for children.

When a relationship ends, the court’s primary concern is making decisions in the children’s best interest. The main things the courts consider are:

  • the benefit of children having a meaningful relationship with both of their parents
  • protecting children from psychological and physical harm.

Other things that must be considered include relationships the children have with other people, including grandparents or other relatives. If children are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, the court must also consider their right to enjoy their own culture, including with others of the same cultural background.

Special medical procedures for children

Some medical procedures proposed for children (up to 18 years of age) require the approval of the Family Court of Australia. These ‘special medical procedures’ include non-therapeutic sterilisation and hysterectomy, gender reassignment, and tissue and organ donation. The Office of the Public Advocate (link below) can give you information and help with special medical procedures for children.

More information

Commonwealth family law

Children & Indigenous culture

Deciding children’s best interests

Family dispute resolution

Getting help

Registering & changing names

Related publications

Child support and parentage testing

How to run your family law case

You and family law: a short guide

Related websites

Office of the Public Advocate – special medical procedures for children (new window)