Page updated on: Thursday March 20, 2008
The Care of Children Act 2004 aims to help parents come to good decisions about how they’ll work together to look after their children, even if they separate.
The Act recognises that it’s better if separated parents decide for themselves about care arrangements for their children and provides for free counselling and mediation to help parents having trouble reaching agreement. A Family Court hearing before a Judge is a last resort if the parents can’t agree.
The Care of Children Act makes the child’s welfare and best interests the first and most important factor when the Courts are deciding issues to do with the child’s care. The Act also recognises that in New Zealand today there are many different types of family arrangements a child might grow up in.
These web pages provide information on –
Guardianship