In Australia....?

Question

If custody suits are filed do we have to go to court where they were filed or can this be negotiated and moved elsewhere so that it is fair for both mother and father to have equal distances to travel. I am in QLD and my child is with her father in NSW.

Answer 1

You dont have to attend all of your court hearings, your solicitor can attend most of them on you behalf, and u file a lot of affidavits which are posted etc.  Can i just add that these proceedings are heart breaking.  If you can avoid them please do, try anything to come to an arrangement you can live with.

Answer 2

You need to seek legal advice ASAP the first consultation is always free. All the best.

Answer 3

Most often you will have to attend at the court where the suit is filed.

On occasions, you can get a change of venue, this would have to be negotiated with the court.

As soon as possible, you need to get to your local court and ask to see the Clerk of the Court (or whatever the equivalent position is in Queensland), and seek their advice on the porper procedure for how to get a change of venue.

This person is a court official and CANNOT advise you on your matter, only on procedure, but they are usually helpful and friendly. Try to avoid going at a busy time (lunch time, for example) when there will be a crowd.

If you can't get a clear picture from the court, or you feel you are not able to front up on your own, you should seek professional advice from a solicitor.

It's almost always best to consult a solicitor anyway ~ unless you know your way around it, the law can be confusing and difficult.

In most cases, Legal Aid can be arranged if you cannot afford a private solicitor. Another excellent alternative is to contact one of the Women's Legal Centres (link below).

These Centres are usually busy, but deal with many family matters so can usually provide up to date and practical information.

Best wishes :-)

Answer 4

yes

Answer 5

I think they usually go where the child lives, ie in your case NSW, you are going to sleep on sombody's couch, I feel it in my bones......................