{"id":10269,"date":"2026-09-05T16:15:35","date_gmt":"2026-09-05T06:15:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\/"},"modified":"2026-09-05T16:15:35","modified_gmt":"2026-09-05T06:15:35","slug":"parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\/","title":{"rendered":"Putting Kids First: Navigating Parenting Arrangements After Separation on the Central Coast"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>By Sheree Orbell, Solicitor Director and  Mia Eddy, Paralegal at Orbell Family Lawyers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Separation can be one of life\u2019s most difficult transitions, especially when children are involved. Alongside the emotional impact of the relationship ending, parents are suddenly faced with practical questions about how their children\u2019s lives will work moving forward. Where will the children live? How will school activities be managed? How will parents stay involved in day\u2013to\u2013day life?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the centre of every decision is one guiding principle under Australian family law: <strong><em>the best interests of the child.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Mia Eddy, Solicitor and Sheree Orbell, Director at Orbell Family Lawyers, <\/em>explain how this principle helps guide parents when making arrangements for their children after separation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Putting children first<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When parents separate, the focus  shifts to creating arrangements that support their children\u2019s wellbeing, stability and development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For many families on the Central Coast, this involves working through practical questions such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Where the children will live?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How time will be shared  between parents?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>School and extracurricular activities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Healthcare decisions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How parents will communicate  about the children.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How costs such as school fees or medical expenses will be shared?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These conversations can be challenging, particularly when emotions are still raw. However, keeping the focus on what children need, rather than what feels \u2018fair\u2019 for the adults, can help guide the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Reaching agreements together<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where possible, parents are encouraged to work together to reach their own parenting arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These agreements can take different forms. Some families create informal arrangements, while others document their agreement in a <strong><em>Parenting Plan<\/em><\/strong> or formalise it through<strong><em> Consent Orders.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Arrangements reached cooperatively often work best in the long term. Parents are more likely to follow agreements they helped develop, and the process itself can reduce conflict and uncertainty for children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of course, not every situation allows for an amicable agreement. When parents cannot reach an arrangement, or it is not safe to do so, legal advice can help clarify options and ensure the child\u2019s needs remain the priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What does \u201cbest interests  of the child\u201d mean?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under Australian family law, the child\u2019s best interests are the <strong><em>most important consideration<\/em><\/strong> when parenting arrangements are being made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Importantly, the law focuses on the needs of the child, not the rights of  the parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This means decisions should not  be based on what is most convenient  or what seems fair between the parents, but rather on what will best support the child\u2019s emotional, physical and psychological wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key factors considered<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every child and every family is different, so there is no single arrangement that works for everyone. However, several important factors are considered when assessing what arrangements are best for a child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Safety first <\/em><\/strong>The child\u2019s safety is always the highest priority. Any concerns about family violence, abuse or neglect must be carefully considered to ensure the child and their carers are protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Emotional and developmental needs <\/em><\/strong>Parenting arrangements should support the child\u2019s emotional stability, development and sense of security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>The ability of each parent to meet  the child\u2019s needs <\/em><\/strong>This includes practical caregiving, emotional support, and the ability to provide stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Meaningful relationships <\/em><\/strong>Children generally benefit from having a meaningful relationship with both parents and other important people in their lives, provided it is safe and healthy  for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>The child\u2019s individual circumstances <\/em><\/strong>Each child\u2019s personality, routine, schooling and support network are unique and arrangements should reflect these realities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Listening to Children <\/em><\/strong>In some situations, children\u2019s views may also be considered. This does  not mean children decide where they live or make the final decisions. However, if a child is mature enough to express their thoughts and  feelings, their voice can be taken into account. The weight given to a child\u2019s views depends on their age, maturity and understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Supporting children through change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Children can adapt well to separation when parents focus on stability, communication and cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Simple steps can make a significant difference, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maintaining consistent routines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keeping communication respectful between parents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoiding conflict in front of children.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supporting the child\u2019s relationship with both parents, where appropriate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reassuring children that the separation is not their fault.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While separation changes the  family structure, children can still thrive when parents work together to prioritise their wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Every family is different<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no \u201cone size fits all\u201d solution when it comes to parenting arrangements. What works for one family may not work for another. The most important goal is to create a structure that supports the child\u2019s long\u2013term wellbeing, security and happiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When parents can put their child\u2019s needs first and approach decisions thoughtfully, it helps children adjust to their new family life with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Need guidance?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Orbell Family Lawyers, we understand how complex parenting arrangements can feel after separation, especially when young children  are involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a specialist family law firm based on the Central Coast, our team regularly works with local families to help create practical parenting arrangements that support children and provide clarity  for parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/orbellfamilylawyers.com.au\">orbellfamilylawyers.com.au<\/a> | <a href=\"mailto:info@orbellfamilylawyers.com.au\">info@orbellfamilylawyers.com.au<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Sheree Orbell, Solicitor Director and Mia Eddy, Paralegal at Orbell Family Lawyers Separation can be one of life\u2019s most difficult transitions, especially when children are involved. Alongside the emotional&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10270,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sync_status":"none","episode_type":"","audio_file":"","podmotor_file_id":"","podmotor_episode_id":"","castos_file_data":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[178,40],"tags":[116,173,165],"series":[],"class_list":["post-10269","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-legal","category-parenting","tag-article","tag-mia-eddy","tag-sheree-orbell"],"episode_featured_image":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/child_parent6.jpg","episode_player_image":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/child_parent6.jpg","download_link":"","player_link":"","audio_player":false,"episode_data":{"playerMode":"dark","subscribeUrls":{"apple_podcasts":{"key":"apple_podcasts","url":"","label":"Apple Podcasts","class":"apple_podcasts","icon":"apple-podcasts.png"},"stitcher":{"key":"stitcher","url":"","label":"Stitcher","class":"stitcher","icon":"stitcher.png"},"google_podcasts":{"key":"google_podcasts","url":"","label":"Google Podcasts","class":"google_podcasts","icon":"google-podcasts.png"},"spotify":{"key":"spotify","url":"","label":"Spotify","class":"spotify","icon":"spotify.png"}},"rssFeedUrl":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/feed\/podcast\/default-podcast","embedCode":"<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"E46zApX1Ky\"><a href=\"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\/\">Putting Kids First: Navigating Parenting Arrangements After Separation on the Central Coast<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" src=\"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\/embed\/#?secret=E46zApX1Ky\" width=\"500\" height=\"350\" title=\"&#8220;Putting Kids First: Navigating Parenting Arrangements After Separation on the Central Coast&#8221; &#8212; On The Coast Families\" data-secret=\"E46zApX1Ky\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\"><\/iframe><script>\n\/*! This file is auto-generated *\/\n!function(d,l){\"use strict\";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&\"undefined\"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!\/[^a-zA-Z0-9]\/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret=\"'+t.secret+'\"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret=\"'+t.secret+'\"]'),c=new RegExp(\"^https?:$\",\"i\"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display=\"none\";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute(\"style\"),\"height\"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):\"link\"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute(\"src\")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener(\"message\",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll(\"iframe.wp-embedded-content\"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute(\"data-secret\"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+=\"#?secret=\"+t,e.setAttribute(\"data-secret\",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:\"ready\",secret:t},\"*\")},!1)))}(window,document);\n\/\/# sourceURL=https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-includes\/js\/wp-embed.min.js\n<\/script>\n","syncStatus":{"isSynced":false,"status":"none","error":"","message":"Not synced yet.","title":"Not synced"}},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Putting Kids First: Navigating Parenting Arrangements After Separation on the Central Coast - On The Coast Families<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Separating with kids? Central Coast family law experts explain the best interests principle &amp; how to create arrangements that work. Get local guidance today.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Putting Kids First: Navigating Parenting Arrangements After Separation on the Central Coast - On The Coast Families\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Separating with kids? Central Coast family law experts explain the best interests principle &amp; how to create arrangements that work. Get local guidance today.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"On The Coast Families\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/OnTheCoastFamilies\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-09-05T06:15:35+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/child_parent6.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2048\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"2048\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"LukeAdmin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"LukeAdmin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"LukeAdmin\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/ffd0cbff2ca55a6b7676bbae7f32f4e8\"},\"headline\":\"Putting Kids First: Navigating Parenting Arrangements After Separation on the Central Coast\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-09-05T06:15:35+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":883,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/2\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/child_parent6.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Article\",\"Mia Eddy\",\"sheree orbell\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Legal\",\"Parenting\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\\\/\",\"name\":\"Putting Kids First: Navigating Parenting Arrangements After Separation on the Central Coast - On The Coast Families\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/2\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/child_parent6.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-09-05T06:15:35+00:00\",\"description\":\"Separating with kids? Central Coast family law experts explain the best interests principle & how to create arrangements that work. Get local guidance today.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/2\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/child_parent6.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/2\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/child_parent6.jpg\",\"width\":2048,\"height\":2048},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Putting Kids First: Navigating Parenting Arrangements After Separation on the Central Coast\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/\",\"name\":\"On The Coast Families\",\"description\":\"On the Coast Families is an innovative, bi-monthly publication for families living on the NSW Central Coast\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"On the Coast Families\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/2\\\/2021\\\/07\\\/OTC-Families-web-logo_v3.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/2\\\/2021\\\/07\\\/OTC-Families-web-logo_v3.png\",\"width\":301,\"height\":129,\"caption\":\"On the Coast Families\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/OnTheCoastFamilies\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/ffd0cbff2ca55a6b7676bbae7f32f4e8\",\"name\":\"LukeAdmin\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/2fe0acc7e97cea7beeba18a17f7117afe248c328afd8cc501e40a184facadf57?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/2fe0acc7e97cea7beeba18a17f7117afe248c328afd8cc501e40a184facadf57?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/2fe0acc7e97cea7beeba18a17f7117afe248c328afd8cc501e40a184facadf57?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"LukeAdmin\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\\\/onthecoastfamilies\\\/author\\\/lukeadmin\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Putting Kids First: Navigating Parenting Arrangements After Separation on the Central Coast - On The Coast Families","description":"Separating with kids? Central Coast family law experts explain the best interests principle & how to create arrangements that work. Get local guidance today.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Putting Kids First: Navigating Parenting Arrangements After Separation on the Central Coast - On The Coast Families","og_description":"Separating with kids? Central Coast family law experts explain the best interests principle & how to create arrangements that work. Get local guidance today.","og_url":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\/","og_site_name":"On The Coast Families","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/OnTheCoastFamilies\/","article_published_time":"2026-09-05T06:15:35+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2048,"height":2048,"url":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/child_parent6.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"LukeAdmin","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"LukeAdmin","Est. reading time":"4 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\/"},"author":{"name":"LukeAdmin","@id":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/#\/schema\/person\/ffd0cbff2ca55a6b7676bbae7f32f4e8"},"headline":"Putting Kids First: Navigating Parenting Arrangements After Separation on the Central Coast","datePublished":"2026-09-05T06:15:35+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\/"},"wordCount":883,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/child_parent6.jpg","keywords":["Article","Mia Eddy","sheree orbell"],"articleSection":["Legal","Parenting"],"inLanguage":"en-AU","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\/","url":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\/","name":"Putting Kids First: Navigating Parenting Arrangements After Separation on the Central Coast - On The Coast Families","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/child_parent6.jpg","datePublished":"2026-09-05T06:15:35+00:00","description":"Separating with kids? Central Coast family law experts explain the best interests principle & how to create arrangements that work. Get local guidance today.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-AU","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-AU","@id":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/child_parent6.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/child_parent6.jpg","width":2048,"height":2048},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/parenting-arrangements-after-separation-central-coast\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Putting Kids First: Navigating Parenting Arrangements After Separation on the Central Coast"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/#website","url":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/","name":"On The Coast Families","description":"On the Coast Families is an innovative, bi-monthly publication for families living on the NSW Central Coast","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-AU"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/#organization","name":"On the Coast Families","url":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-AU","@id":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/OTC-Families-web-logo_v3.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/OTC-Families-web-logo_v3.png","width":301,"height":129,"caption":"On the Coast Families"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/OnTheCoastFamilies\/","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/onthecoastfamilies\/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/#\/schema\/person\/ffd0cbff2ca55a6b7676bbae7f32f4e8","name":"LukeAdmin","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-AU","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2fe0acc7e97cea7beeba18a17f7117afe248c328afd8cc501e40a184facadf57?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2fe0acc7e97cea7beeba18a17f7117afe248c328afd8cc501e40a184facadf57?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2fe0acc7e97cea7beeba18a17f7117afe248c328afd8cc501e40a184facadf57?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"LukeAdmin"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au"],"url":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/author\/lukeadmin\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10269","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10269"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10269\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10270"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10269"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10269"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10269"},{"taxonomy":"series","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/series?post=10269"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}