Parenting matters S1 E5

Most of this series had been uncomfortable and in an episode about parenting matters, including if there is family violence, you can expect the level of discomfort to go up. In episode Five of Rule of Thumb you’ll learn what the court is trying to work out in parenting matters and what you can expect about the process. Take a deep breath and listen in as we find out what ‘equal shared parental responsibility’, ‘best interests of the child’ and ‘maintaining a meaningful relationship with each parent’ means legally, and practically. You’ll hear stories about negotiating handover with an ex-partner, waiting in court for those orders to be handed down, keeping up communication with the co-parent and what you need to tell the court about your own parenting abilities. Plus we start to consider how the court defines ‘risk’ and whether that fits with community expectations.

NOTE: This podcast discusses family violence which may be triggering for some listeners. It also contains legal information which is not intended as legal advice.

Scroll down for useful contact details for individual legal advice and family violence support services.

Legal Advice:

Women's Legal Service Tasmania

A free statewide service - 1800 682 468

The telephone advice line is the first point of contact for all legal advice and assistance.

You can call the 1800 service from anywhere in Tasmania, and the call will not be displayed on your telephone bill. All calls are completely confidential. Visit www.womenslegaltas.org.au or call 1800 682 468

Legal Aid Tasmania

Everyone can receive free legal advice from Legal Aid Tasmania.

Visit www.legalaid.tas.gov.au or call the advice line on 1300 366 611

Launceston Community Legal Centre

This service provides free legal advice for people in the North East of Tasmania (63 phone region). The solicitors will be able to give you information on your legal issue and advise you as to what your next steps should be in relation to that issue

Visit www.lclc.net.au or Free Call: 1800 066 019

Hobart Community Legal Service

The Hobart Community Legal Service provides free legal information advice and referrals to people in southern Tasmania.

Visit www.hobartlegal.org.au to find the contact centre closest to you or call Head Office on 6223 2500

North West Community Legal Centre

A free one off advice and referral legal service to residents on the North West Coast of Tasmania.

Visit www.nwclc.org.au or call 6424 8720

Family Violence support services:

TASMANIA

Family Violence Counselling and Support Service

1800 608 122

9:00am to midnight Weekdays

4:00pm to midnight Weekends and Public Holidays.

Offers professional and specialised services to assist children, young people and adults affected by family violence.

Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) Southern Tasmania

1800 697 877

Provides 24/7 support, information and counselling in Southern Tasmania to males and females of all ages who been victim of recent rape or sexual assault or sexually abused at any time of their lives.

Family Violence Response & Referral Line

1800 633 937

Provides 24/7, including public holidays, information and referral service by which callers are able to access the full range of response, counselling, information and other support services provided by Safe at Home.

Engender Equality

Engender Equality (formerly SHE) is a statewide Tasmanian not-for-profit organisation that supports people affected by family violence. Engender...