Assumption: "(Child Arrangements) If the court doesn't find I've done anything wrong, 50/50 care stays."
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
What People Expect
People think an existing equal shared care arrangement can only be reduced if the court makes findings of misconduct against them.
Court Reality
There is no such principle. The court decides what is best for each child under the welfare checklist. In a 2026 appeal, the judge confirmed that where parental conflict is entrenched, the court can reduce one parent's time without any findings of misconduct against them.
Download the card and post it on Facebook, LinkedIn, or wherever you're active. Every share helps another litigant find this before their hearing.
The Gap?
"(Child Arrangements) If the court doesn't find I've done anything wrong, 50/50 care stays."
Court Reality
There is no such principle. The court decides what is best for each child under the welfare checklist. In a 2026 appeal, the judge confirmed that where parental conflict is entrenched, the court can reduce one parent's time without any findings of misconduct against them.
Experienced a gap between what you thought you knew about family court and the reality? Share your own and get credited.
familycourtbridge.org
Navigating court alone?
A McKenzie Friend can help you make sense of this in the context of your own case.
Find your supportCookie Consent
We use essential cookies only to provide you with the best experience on our website. No tracking or analytics cookies are used.