What is a Family Court
parenting order?

Parenting orders

A parenting order is an order made by the Family Court that says who is responsible for day-to-day care of a child (under 16 years of age), and when and how someone else important in the child's life can have contact with them. A parenting order can also record the shared care of a child.

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Usually the two parties to a parenting order will be the child's parents. But other people in a child's life can apply for a parenting order too - the child's caregiver, or a partner of a parent of the child, for example, and in certain cases others as well such as a grandparent.

Day-to-day care and contact used to be called custody, and access. "Parenting order" is the new name for what used to be called custody orders and access orders.

The Family Court may also include conditions as part of the parenting order. For example, an order may specify the condition that neither parent may consume alcohol whilst caring for the child. If a parent ignores this and does drink alcohol when the child is in their care, this may be considered a breach of the parenting order.

Care of Children Act 2004

Contact Family Lawyer

Antoinette Vujnovich
m: 021 210 0930
e: info@edenfamilylaw.co.nz

Available by appointment at 102 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, Auckland.

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