Managing parenting arrangements over the holidays can be one of the most stressful challenges for separated or divorced parents. So, how do you navigate this emotionally charged time while keeping your child’s best interests at the centre? In Australia, there are clear legal pathways to help families plan for school holidays, Christmas, and other special occasions. Whether you have formal parenting orders or an informal agreement, understanding your options (and your rights) can prevent last-minute disputes and protect your child’s wellbeing. Why Holidays Often Lead to Parenting Disputes The holiday season can amplify tension between separated parents, especially when there’s no clear agreement in place. Factors like travel, family traditions, work leave, and alternating Christmas Day access can lead to miscommunication or conflict. Add to that the emotional weight of holidays, and it’s easy to see why parenting arrangements during the holidays can quickly become complex. That’s why it’s important to start planning well before December, ideally in October or earlier, to avoid disputes and ensure stability for your child. What If You Already Have Parenting Orders? If you already have Parenting Orders in place, the first step is to check whether they include provisions for school holidays, public holidays, and special days like Christmas, New Years, or birthdays. These orders are legally binding and enforceable by the court. They typically specify: Where the child will live during school holidays How time is shared between parents over Christmas and other special occasions Pick-up/drop-off times and locations If one parent does not follow the Parenting Order, the other may apply to the court to enforce it. That said, it's always recommended to resolve any issues through negotiation or mediation first. What If You Only Have an Informal Parenting Plan? Not all families have court orders, and many rely on informal parenting plans. These can work well when both parents communicate effectively and put the child first. However, informal plans are not legally enforceable. If issues arise such as one parent withholding the child, refusing to cooperate with holiday travel plans, or changing their mind last minute, you may have little legal recourse unless the plan is formalised. In cases where there is regular conflict, or when travel is involved (e.g. interstate or overseas trips), it’s often safer to seek legal advice and consider formalising arrangements through Parenting Orders. Creating Parenting Arrangements for the Holidays The best parenting arrangements for holidays are those that are: Child-focused: prioritising stability and emotional wellbeing Clear: outlining dates, times, locations, and responsibilities Flexible: allowing for unexpected changes or emergencies Mutually agreed upon: minimising conflict Your holiday parenting arrangement might include: Splitting school holidays evenly Alternating Christmas Day and New Years Day each year Planning travel in advance (and getting written permission, if needed) Factoring in extended family events, birthdays, or religious holidays These agreements can be recorded in a Parenting Plan or filed with the court as Consent Orders if you want legal enforceability. Helpful Tips for Navigating the Season Smoothly Here are a few strategies we often recommend to clients to help reduce conflict and promote cooperation during the holidays: Start planning early: Avoid leaving arrangements until the last minute. Put everything in writing: This reduces confusion and creates accountability. Be flexible and child-focused: Consider what’s in your child’s best emotional and social interests. Use parenting apps or calendars: These tools can streamline communication. Get legal advice early: Especially if you anticipate any disputes. What If One Parent Doesn’t Cooperate? Sometimes, one parent may withhold the child, refuse to follow a plan, or deny reasonable requests for holiday travel. This can be extremely distressing especially when you’re trying to provide a joyful experience for your child. In such cases, it’s important to understand your rights. You may be able to: Apply for or modify Parenting Orders Seek urgent court intervention (in limited situations) Engage a lawyer to negotiate on your behalf If there’s no formal agreement, or the existing one is outdated or being ignored, it’s worth speaking with a family lawyer well before the holiday season begins. What About the Child’s Emotional Wellbeing? Amidst the logistics, it’s easy to overlook how separation and split arrangements may impact children, especially young ones. Feelings of guilt, confusion, and sadness can surface during the holidays, and it’s important for both parents to provide emotional stability. If you’d like to explore this further, this guide from Raising Children Network offers excellent insights into how children process separation and how parents can help them adjust. When Should You Speak to a Lawyer? While many parenting arrangements for the holidays can be worked out peacefully, there are clear signs that it’s time to get legal advice: You’re unable to reach agreement with the other parent One parent is threatening to withhold access You’re concerned about the child’s safety Travel plans are being blocked or ignored There's no formal plan in place and time is running out Be Prepared, Not Panicked The holidays don’t have to bring conflict or confusion. With the right planning and legal support if needed, it’s absolutely possible to create a positive experience for your child and reduce stress for everyone involved. 📞 Need Legal Help with Parenting Arrangements These Holidays? If you're struggling to put a clear plan in place or anticipate issues with parenting arrangements during the holidays, Janson Lawyers is here to help. Our experienced family law team can assist you in: Creating or reviewing Parenting Plans Applying for or updating Parenting Orders Navigating urgent or high-conflict situations Don’t wait until December, reach out to us now for practical, compassionate legal guidance tailored to your family’s needs. 👉 Contact Janson Lawyers today and take the stress out of the holiday season.

What are Binding Financial Agreements and Do You Need One in 2025? Binding financial agreements are legally enforceable documents that outline how assets, property, and financial resources will be divided if a relationship breaks down. In Australia, they apply to both married and de facto couples. These agreements can help prevent costly legal disputes and offer peace of mind, especially for people with significant assets, businesses, or children from previous relationships. Understanding Binding Financial Agreements in Australia A binding financial agreement (BFA) is a private legal contract between two people that sets out how financial matters will be handled during or after a relationship. Under the Family Law Act 1975, these agreements can be made: Before a relationship or marriage (commonly known as a prenup) During a relationship After separation or divorce The main goal of a BFA is to avoid uncertainty or conflict if a relationship ends. While it may not be the most romantic topic, it’s a smart legal move especially in 2025, when financial independence and asset protection are more important than ever. Why Do People Enter Into Binding Financial Agreements? There are several reasons why individuals and couples choose to create binding financial agreements: To protect assets acquired before the relationship To safeguard businesses, property, or inheritances To clearly define financial responsibilities To prevent future legal disputes or court proceedings To manage expectations for children from previous relationships For example, if one partner owns a business, a BFA can ensure it remains protected in the event of separation. This can be crucial for business continuity, especially in cases where other family members are involved in the enterprise. For more insight into how divorce or separation can affect your business, this guide from Westpac offers helpful financial considerations. Are Binding Financial Agreements Legally Enforceable? Yes, but only if they meet specific legal requirements. To be legally binding under Australian law, the agreement must: Be in writing and signed by both parties Clearly outline how assets and liabilities are to be divided Include confirmation that both parties received independent legal advice Be compliant with the relevant provisions of the Family Law Act 1975 It’s not enough to draft an agreement yourselves, you must seek advice from a lawyer, which ensures that your interests are protected and that the agreement is enforceable in court if challenged. Binding Financial Agreements and De Facto Relationships BFAs are not just for married couples. In Australia, de facto couples are treated similarly to married couples under the law. If you’re living together and sharing finances, a binding financial agreement can offer clarity and protection should the relationship end. This is especially relevant for people entering a second relationship or bringing significant personal or business assets into a new partnership. Do You Really Need a Binding Financial Agreement? This is one of the most commonly asked questions, and the answer depends on your personal circumstances. Here are some signs that a BFA might be a smart decision: You or your partner own a home, business, or other high-value assets One person earns significantly more than the other You have children from a previous relationship You’re entering into a second marriage or partnership You want to avoid the emotional and financial cost of court disputes Even if you never need to rely on the agreement, having one in place offers security and peace of mind, much like insurance. Common Misunderstandings About BFAs “It’s just for wealthy people.” BFAs are valuable for anyone with assets to protect, not just the ultra-wealthy. “It’s unromantic or pessimistic.” Planning for the future is a responsible act. Just as you take out insurance, a BFA is about preparation, not prediction. “We’re already living together, it’s too late.” You can create a BFA at any stage of a relationship, even after you’ve separated. How a Lawyer Can Help With Binding Financial Agreements Because of the strict legal requirements involved, you should never attempt to draft or finalise a binding financial agreement without legal assistance. At Janson Lawyers , our experienced family law team can help by: Drafting or reviewing a binding financial agreement tailored to your needs Ensuring the agreement meets legal standards and is enforceable Offering independent legal advice, as required by law Helping you understand your rights and obligations We aim to make the process clear, supportive, and as straightforward as possible because protecting your financial future shouldn't be complicated. Final Thoughts: Peace of Mind Starts With the Right Advice If you’re in a relationship and want to protect your assets, plan for the future, or avoid legal battles down the road, a binding financial agreement could be the right solution for you. We understand that every relationship is different, and so are your legal needs. That’s why Janson Lawyers takes the time to provide personalised advice based on your circumstances, no jargon, no stress. Ready to Secure Your Future? Whether you’re starting a relationship, planning a wedding, or already living with your partner, it’s never too early, or too late to take control of your financial future. Get in touch with Janson Lawyers today to find out how a binding financial agreement could protect what matters most to you.

For many Australians, writing a will seems straightforward, especially with so many ‘do-it-yourself’ (DIY) templates and online kits available. But while preparing your own will may look like a way to save time and money, even a small mistake can make the document invalid or cause major disputes later. At Janson Lawyers , we often see the costly problems that arise from DIY will mistakes. Here are five of the most common mistakes people make when writing their own will, and why seeking legal advice is the best way to protect your wishes. 1. Using the Wrong Template or DIY Kit DIY wills are often based on generic templates that don’t comply with Australian legal requirements. What might look like a valid will on paper can actually be rejected by the courts, leaving your loved ones to deal with unnecessary stress and expense. 2. Incorrect Signing and Witnessing A will must be signed and witnessed according to strict rules. If the wrong people witness your will, or if it isn’t signed correctly, the entire document may be declared invalid. This is one of the most common ‘DIY will mistakes’ we see when people attempt to prepare their own documents. 3. Choosing the Wrong Executor An executor is responsible for carrying out your wishes after you pass away. Too often, DIY wills appoint someone who is unwilling, unable, or simply unsuitable for the role. This can lead to conflict, delays and even disputes in court. Want to learn more about what an executor actually does? The Law Handbook SA has a clear explanation of executor responsibilities in South Australia. 4. Forgetting to Update the Will Life changes to marriages, divorces, the birth of children or the purchase of new property, can all impact your will. Common ‘DIY will mistakes’ are failing to update the document after these events, leaving outdated instructions that may no longer reflect your wishes. 5. Overlooking Complex Assets or Family Situations Homemade wills rarely cover complex situations such as blended families, businesses, overseas property or superannuation. These oversights often result in will disputes, leaving your family to face drawn-out and expensive legal battles. Why DIY Will Mistakes Can Be Costly Writing your own will might feel like a simple task, but the risks of getting it wrong are high. From invalid documents to costly disputes, ‘DIY will mistakes’ can cause far more pain and expense than they save. A qualified wills and estates lawyer can ensure your will is valid, up-to-date and tailored to your personal circumstances. At Janson Lawyers , we help clients across Christies Beach and Adelaide’s southern suburbs prepare wills that provide peace of mind for the future. Don’t leave your estate to chance, contact Janson Lawyers today and let us help you get it right.

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