Parenting Proposal Preparation

Have a parenting proposal you would like to put to the other parent?

Northern Frontiers provides an affordable and confidential Parenting Proposal Preparation service for separated parents who would like assistance developing a clear and practical proposal about future parenting arrangements.

This individual service allows you to meet privately with an experienced Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) to identify the parenting issues that need to be addressed and develop a structured Parenting Agreement Proposal for the other parent to consider.

It can be particularly useful where:

• you already have ideas about the parenting arrangements you would like to propose
• you would like assistance organising those ideas into a clear written proposal
• direct discussions with the other parent have become difficult
• the other parent is currently unwilling to participate in mediation
• you would like to make a constructive proposal before involving lawyers or commencing Court proceedings
• you would like a structured starting point for future mediation or negotiation.

The service is available Australia-wide by telephone or video, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom and FaceTime.

View current pricing

What can be included in a Parenting Proposal?

Your proposal can address the parenting matters that are relevant to your family, including:

• where children live and the time they spend with each parent
• weekends, school holidays and special occasions
• education and schooling
• health and medical matters
• telephone and video communication
• changeover and transport arrangements
• extra-curricular and recreational activities
• passports and overseas travel
• cultural and religious considerations
• communication between parents
• relationships with grandparents and extended family
• other practical arrangements affecting the care and wellbeing of your children.

Your practitioner will help you work through the issues relevant to your circumstances and develop a proposal that is clear, practical and focused on your children's needs.

Is a Parenting Proposal the same as a Parenting Plan?

No. A Parenting Agreement Proposal prepared by one parent is a proposal for the other parent to consider. It does not become a Parenting Plan simply because it has been prepared in writing.

If the other parent accepts the proposal, or agreement is reached following further negotiation or mediation, the agreed arrangements may then be documented appropriately.

Under the Family Law Act, a Parenting Plan is a written agreement made between the parents, signed and dated by them and entered into free from threat, duress or coercion.

Parents seeking legally enforceable arrangements should obtain independent legal advice about whether Consent Orders may be more appropriate for their circumstances.

Is Parenting Proposal Preparation the same as mediation?

No. Parenting Proposal Preparation is an individual service involving one party. It is different from Family Dispute Resolution, where an accredited FDR practitioner conducts a dispute resolution process involving the relevant parties.

If you would like Northern Frontiers to formally invite the other parent to participate in Family Dispute Resolution, please see our Parenting Mediation & Family Dispute Resolution service.

A Parenting Proposal Preparation session by itself does not satisfy the Family Dispute Resolution requirements for commencing parenting proceedings and does not, by itself, result in the issue of a section 60I certificate.

Benefits of Parenting Proposal Preparation

Develop a Clear, Well-Considered Proposal

Work through your parenting ideas with an experienced practitioner and turn them into a structured proposal for the other parent to consider.

Focus on Your Children's Needs

Consider the practical arrangements your children need now and as their circumstances change over time.

Reduce Unnecessary Conflict

A clear written proposal can provide a more constructive starting point for discussion than repeated arguments or informal messages between parents.

Save Time and Legal Costs

Resolving some or all parenting issues through direct negotiation or mediation may reduce the matters that later require legal assistance or Court determination.

Create a Starting Point for Mediation

If the other parent subsequently agrees to mediate, your prepared proposal can provide a useful starting point for Family Dispute Resolution.

Parenting Proposal Preparation – Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after my Parenting Proposal is prepared?

Your Parenting Agreement Proposal can be provided to the other parent for consideration, either directly or through legal representatives.

The other parent may accept the proposal, suggest changes, seek legal advice or indicate that they would like to negotiate further.

If both parties become willing to participate in mediation, you can move into our Parenting Mediation & Family Dispute Resolution process.

If agreement is ultimately reached, independent legal advice can help you decide whether the arrangements should remain as an agreed Parenting Plan or be formalised through Consent Orders.

What if the other parent refuses my proposal?

A Parenting Proposal cannot force the other parent to agree.

If agreement cannot be reached, you may wish to commence a formal Family Dispute Resolution process. Northern Frontiers can contact the other parent and invite them to participate.

If the other party refuses or fails to participate in that formal process, an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner may be able to issue a section 60I certificate once the applicable requirements have been met.

You should obtain independent family law advice if you are considering Court proceedings.

Can a lawyer review my Parenting Proposal?

Yes. Northern Frontiers does not provide legal advice, and you are welcome to have your proposal independently reviewed by a family lawyer before presenting it to the other parent.

Legal advice may be particularly useful where there are existing parenting orders, significant safety concerns, relocation issues or other complex circumstances.

What if I also have property or financial matters?

Northern Frontiers also provides a Property Proposal Preparation service to assist separated parties to develop structured proposals concerning property and financial settlement.

If both parties are willing to participate in dispute resolution, please see our Property Mediation service.

How much does Parenting Proposal Preparation cost?

See current Parenting Proposal Preparation pricing for the standard session fee. Longer sessions can be arranged where required.

View current pricing

How soon can I get started?

Appointments are available from 7.30am weekdays, with out-of-hours appointments available on a case-by-case basis.

Sessions are available Australia-wide by telephone or video, so you do not need to travel to participate.

Important information

Northern Frontiers' practitioners provide mediation, Family Dispute Resolution and proposal preparation services. We do not provide legal advice.

A Parenting Agreement Proposal is not a Court order and is not legally enforceable simply because it has been prepared through this service.

We encourage clients to obtain independent family law advice where appropriate, particularly before entering into final parenting arrangements or commencing Court proceedings.

Please also review our Terms & Conditions of Service.

Ready to develop your Parenting Proposal?

Contact Reception for a confidential enquiry. There is no obligation to make a booking.

Call: 1300 90 81 70
Text: 0419 531 269
Email: reception@northernfrontiers.com.au

You can also contact us online or use the online chat function on this website.