For Separating or Divorced Couples

Open conflict between parents and carers during separation can have an extremely detrimental effect on children. Family dispute resolution can assist people to end a marriage, defacto relationship or same sex relationship through reaching agreement on matters pertaining to:

•the living arrangements and visitation of children

•parenting

•maintenance payments

•consent orders

•anything to do with separation and divorce

Conflict free changeovers and contact visits

The Children's Contact Service facilitates the smooth changeover of children between separated parents, as well as appropriate contact visits between children and their non-residential parents or guardians.

The service is for families who are in conflict and cannot arrange a mutually agreeable or safe venue for 'child with parent or guardian' contact.

Prospective clients undertake an intake and assessment process, and an orientation visit for all children involved.

Separating partners don't need to be separating families

Sometimes when parents separate, uncontrolled conflict creates an emotional separation for children. Depending on how this is handled, this trauma can go on to affect many aspects of that young person's life, from their education and socialisation, to their work prospects and their personal relationships.

Post Separation Cooperative Parenting assists separated parents whose high levels of conflict affect their relationship with their children.The program runs two group sessions per month, with post-separation counselling provided at different locations.

Family Violence Court Based Applicant Program (FVCBAP)

In response to recommendations made by the Victorian Law Reform Commission, the Victorian Government have funded South West Community Legal Centre (SWCLC) to operate a Family Violence Court Based Applicant Program.

The main feature of this program is the Duty Lawyer service available at the Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Friday mornings from 9am.

The Duty Lawyer is able to provide advice, referral and representation to people applying for family violence Intervention Orders and Aggrieved Family Members (AFM).

If you have other legal matters related to your Intervention Order you can make an appointment to see a lawyer by contacting the SWCLC on 1300 361 680.

Impartial assistance for families

Family Serivces can help to strengthen families or to resolve issues that are hindering the wellbeing or development of family members. Sometimes this assistance can help families to stay together, other times it can help separating or separated families to achieve good outcomes in relation to their parenting and custody, with the aim of minimising conflict. Children are very sensitive to conflict within the family so we help parents and carers to focus on the children's needs while working through the issues.

Our staff talk to clients over the phone or make appointments to meet in person. Family Serivces and post separation counselling is not mediation and we will not make decisions on behalf of clients. We will, however, offer options and strategies to assist clients in shaping their own futures.