Care & Protection Fact Sheets
The fact sheets contained in this section of the website are designed to help people involved in Children’s Court matters concerning the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) in care and protection.
They are NOT for parties in family law disputes.
If you are seeking information about family law matters, please refer to the family law fact sheets about attending court and court orders in family law matters.
Alternately, contact us or phone our office on 1300 4 FAMILY and we can provide you with a copy.
What are the steps in arranging a mediation to see my children?
Separation is a difficult time for all parties involved including the children. Unfortunately, in many cases parents are unable to communicate directly with each other to arrange an agreement for each parent to spend time with the children. Mediation is an...
We have separated and I am not seeing the kids, what do I do now?
It is challenging for parents to come to an agreement regarding parenting arrangements during the time of separation as the relationship often becomes hostile and tense. If you are having trouble communicating with the other parent, you should seek legal advice...
Contesting A Will – What You Need To Know?
In Australia each state has a different set of rules which apply when contesting a Will, so it is exceptionally important that if you intend on contesting a will, you do it in your state. In NSW eligible persons can contest a will by applying to the Supreme Court...
Going to Children’s Court
The Children’s Court of New South Wales hears children’s care and protection cases. You will often hear these referred to as “care matters”. The Children’s Court also deals with criminal law cases with children under the age of 18 however these generally sit in a...
Principals of the Care & Protection Act
There are several principles and objects of the Care & Protection Act. If you are interested in reading more about the Act, we will refer you to another fact sheet that details about Family mediation and etc. where you can download information from the...
Stages of Court Proceedings
If you find yourself before the Children’s Court in respect to an Application, it is likely that documents have been served on you. There are several stages to Court proceedings and several options available in Court proceedings in the care and protection area. If...
Orders That Can Be Made
At the conclusion of the final hearing, the Magistrate will make a range of Orders that can cover the following: Long term parental responsibility for the children. Contact between yourself and the children and other relevant persons. Provision of support services....
Varying Orders
In some circumstances, parties will seek to vary or rescind care Orders after they have been made for a period of time. As a general rule, it is extremely difficult to set aside Orders and parties that bring such applications to the Court must show there has been...
Your Responsibilities
As part of your proceedings in the Children’s Court, you have a number of responsibilities to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome for your children. It is important, even though things can get emotive and heated, that where possible you cooperate at...
Disputes and Complaints
In some cases that we deal with, our clients wish to make a complaint about the handling of their matter and have a grievance or dispute with the Department of Family and Community Services. This fact sheet provides guidance in making a complaint. Please discuss...
Licensed Conveyancer
Natalie Currall
Natalie is a licensed conveyancer and oversees all of the firms contracts for sale and family law settlements in conjunction with solicitor Kiran Grewal from our property team.
Natalie has over 25 years experience and is well connected in the local Hawkesbury area. Prior to working with Rafton Natalie was with a local firm in the area undertaking all conveyancing work. Natalie is based at our Richmond office but able to travel and see clients as required. When not undertaking property work, Natalie is an avid horse lover and travels with her family to show jumping events across Australia.
Read our plain English handbooks
These fact sheets are designed to provide an overview of the relevant issues and systems so that you have a better understanding of the process.
Rafton Arbitration & Mediation Brochure
Ensure that your clients are given the best possible opportunity to exit the Court process with a professional and efficient resolution to their family law dispute.