Parenting Arrangements in Wollongong
This is the arrangement for where children live and how they spend time with each parent after a separation. Before applying to a court about it, the law expects separating parents to make a genuine effort to resolve it through family dispute resolution.
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What family law in Wollongong actually involves
The Attorney-General's Department states that "the law requires separating families who have a dispute about children to make a genuine effort to try to sort it out through FDR", meaning family dispute resolution. Where that has failed or was not appropriate, an accredited practitioner can issue a section 60I certificate, which the department says "allow people to file an application in court". It adds that courts may award costs against a party for failing to attend or not making a genuine effort (read 25 September 2026). The Court's filing fee to start a final parenting application is $455.
What happens after you send it
If you searched for custody and landed here, you are in the right place: this site uses parenting arrangements for where children live and how they spend time with each parent. Bring the practitioner's certificate, or the reason you have none, to your first conversation with the firm.
Nothing on this page tells you what arrangement a court would make or what you should agree to. Those are decisions about children, made on the facts, by people entitled to advise on them. This site is not one of them, and it will not guess.
Family law costs and rules check
Parenting Arrangements in Wollongong — common questions
Is this the same as child custody?
This site uses the two phrases for the same subject: where children live and how they spend time with each parent. Whether a particular order or agreement uses one or the other is a question for the provider.
Is child support part of this?
No, it is a separate matter with its own page here. The Court's financial overview lists child support and child maintenance as financial support for a child. They often travel together in practice, and one enquiry can raise both.
What if we already agree?
Agreements can be formalised. The Court lists an application for consent orders at $215 (from 1 July 2026), against $455 to start a final parenting application. Whether consent orders suit your agreement is the firm's to explain.
Parenting Arrangements by suburb
- Family Law in Wollongong
- Austinmer
- Thirroul
- Bulli
- Woonona
- Dapto
- Albion Park
- Figtree
- Warilla
- Corrimal
- Family Law in Shellharbour
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Last reviewed · Updated · First published