While vaccinations in general are often a hot topic in family law parenting matters, the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine has further ignited the vaccination debate. Under the Family Law Act there is a presumption that both parents have equal shared parental responsibility, and decisions about vaccinations should be made jointly. However the court can make orders to change parental responsibility, for example in circumstances where a parent has engaged in abuse of the child, family violence, or co-parenting is not in the best interests of the child. The court can also make specific orders about vaccinations for children.

If you are contemplating separation or divorce in the near future, there’s certain things you should do now just in case. If you don’t follow these basic steps, you could be left vulnerable and you might lose the opportunity for a fair settlement under family law proceedings. You may also end up having limited time with your children under family law parenting arrangements.