Parenting Matters Under the New Family Law Amendments: What Parents in Brisbane & the Sunshine Coast Need to Know in 2025
Summary:
The recent Family Law amendments (commenced in May 2024) have significantly changed how parenting matters are approached in Australia — affecting everything from parental responsibility to how courts assess a child's best interests.
If you're separated or considering separation — and you live in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, or anywhere in Queensland — understanding these changes is essential to protect your relationship with your child and your legal rights.
What’s Changed in Parenting Matters? (2024 Amendments Explained Simply)
The Family Law Amendment Act 2023 (Cth) and related reforms brought in sweeping updates to parenting law. Here are the most important changes for separated parents:
No More “Presumption of Equal Shared Parental Responsibility”
Previously, the law presumed that both parents would share decision-making about major long-term issues (such as schooling, health, religion).
Under the new law, this presumption is removed.
Now, the Court assesses each case individually and determines what allocation of parental responsibility is in the child’s best interests, without any automatic starting point.
What this means for you:
Don’t assume you'll automatically share decisions — your specific circumstances matter more than ever.
New “Best Interests of the Child” Factors
The Court now uses a streamlined set of factors (reduced from 13 to 6) when deciding what’s in a child’s best interests. These include:
The safety of the child and caregivers
The child’s views (depending on age/maturity)
The child’s developmental, psychological, emotional and cultural needs
The capacity of each parent to provide for those needs
The benefit of maintaining relationships with parents and others
Anything else the court considers relevant
Why this matters:
You’ll need to provide clear, focused evidence showing that your proposal supports your child’s safety, stability and wellbeing — not just argue for "equal time".
Child’s Voice Now Stronger in Parenting Cases
The law now places greater emphasis on the views of the child, especially through the Independent Children’s Lawyer or family report process. The child's wishes are no longer treated as “one of many” factors — they’re now central.
What this means for your case:
Children’s input is more likely to influence the outcome, particularly for older or more articulate children.
Clarification on “Time With Each Parent”
There’s no longer any mention of “equal time” or “substantial and significant time” in the Act.
Now, the court simply considers what time arrangements are in the child’s best interests — full stop.
Practical impact:
Each case is now less formulaic, and more responsive to real-world dynamics like distance, work schedules, safety concerns, or emotional harm.
Local Application: What Does This Mean for Brisbane and Sunshine Coast Parents?
At Gullickson Lawyers, we’ve already helped numerous parents across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast navigate these changes.
We see trends like:
Increased scrutiny of parenting capacity (especially in high-conflict or mental health contexts)
A stronger voice for grandparents and non-parent carers
Greater success for parenting plans tailored to individual circumstances, rather than “one size fits all” arrangements
Mediation First — But Be Prepared for Court
With these reforms, courts expect separating parents to try dispute resolution (like mediation or family dispute resolution) before filing court applications — except in urgent or unsafe cases.
But don’t go in unprepared.
The stakes are too high when it comes to your children. You need sound legal advice to protect your rights, avoid costly mistakes, and promote the outcome that’s right for your family.
Why Choose Gullickson Lawyers for Your Parenting Matter?
We understand the new Family Law reforms inside and out
We take a child-focused, outcome-driven approach
We act in both negotiated parenting arrangements and urgent litigation
We support clients through mediation, court, and everything in between
We’re locals — trusted by families from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast
Talk to a Family Lawyer Today
If you’re navigating a parenting dispute or seeking to formalise parenting arrangements, we can help.
Whether it’s urgent court orders or a calm parenting plan, we provide clear, compassionate legal advice tailored to your situation — with real experience under the new law.
Brisbane: 07 3397 9922
Caloundra: 07 5222 4039
www.gullicksonlawyers.com.au