Parenting Matters Application

Step 1: Eligibility & Basic Information

About Parenting Orders

Parenting orders determine:

Who the child lives with
How much time the child spends with each parent
Parental responsibility (decision-making)
Communication arrangements
Child support and expenses

Best Interests of the Child: All decisions must prioritize the child's safety, wellbeing and development.

Are there existing Family Court orders about the children?

Yes - I need to change existing orders No - This is the first time applying

Details of existing orders:

Have you attempted family dispute resolution (mediation)?

Yes - I have a certificate or it's not appropriate No - I understand I may need to attend mediation first Exempt - Family violence or urgent circumstances

Reason for exemption:

Your Information

First Name

Middle Name(s)

Last Name

Date of Birth

Gender

Your Address

Street Address

Suburb

State

Postcode

Contact Details

Mobile Phone

Home Phone

Email Address

Step 2: Other Parent/Respondent Information

First Name

Middle Name(s)

Last Name

Date of Birth

Gender

Respondent's Address

Street Address

Suburb

State

Postcode

Contact Details

Mobile Phone

Home Phone

Email Address

Your relationship to the respondent:

Step 3: Children Information

Note: Include all children under 18 years old for whom you are seeking parenting orders.

Step 4: Current Living Arrangements

Where do the children currently live?

With me (the applicant) With the other parent (respondent) Shared between both parents With someone else

Who are the children living with? Address where children are living:

How long have the children been in this arrangement?

Describe the current time each parent spends with the children:

Are there any safety concerns with current arrangements?

Yes No

Describe safety concerns:

Step 5: Proposed Parenting Arrangements

Types of Parenting Arrangements

Sole parental responsibility: One parent makes all major decisions
Equal shared parental responsibility: Both parents make major decisions together
Lives with: Primary residence of the child
Spends time with: Time with the other parent (visits, holidays)

Parental Responsibility

Who should have parental responsibility (decision-making)?

Equal shared parental responsibility (both parents decide together) Sole parental responsibility to me (the applicant) Sole parental responsibility to the other parent Other arrangement

Describe the parental responsibility arrangement:

Living Arrangements

Where should the children live?

Live with me, spend time with other parent Live with other parent, spend time with me Equal shared care (50/50) Substantial and significant time with both parents Other arrangement

Time Arrangements

Describe the proposed time arrangements in detail:

Communication & Other Arrangements

Proposed communication arrangements (phone, video calls, etc.):

Special conditions or arrangements:

Step 6: Supporting Information

Best Interests of the Child: The court's primary consideration is what's best for the child, including:

The benefit of having a meaningful relationship with both parents
The need to protect children from harm
The child's views (depending on age and maturity)
The nature of the relationship with each parent
Each parent's capacity to provide for the child's needs

Why are these proposed arrangements in the best interests of the children?

Family Violence or Safety Issues

Has there been any family violence or abuse?

Yes No

Describe the family violence:

Safety First: If there is family violence, you may be exempt from mediation. Consider applying for a Family Violence Restraining Order (FVRO) and notify the court of safety concerns.

Child's Views

Have the children expressed their views about living arrangements?

Yes No Children are too young

What have the children said?

Other Relevant Information

Any other information relevant to the children's best interests:

Step 7: Review & Generate Application

Before You Submit

Review your information carefully. The court will use this information to make decisions about your children's care.

Documents Required

Document Checklist

Completed Initiating Application (Form 4) - generated by this wizard
Genuine Steps Certificate (if mediation attempted) OR explanation for exemption
Children's birth certificates (certified copies)
Any existing court orders (if applicable)
Supporting evidence (if any): police reports, medical records, school reports, etc.
Family Violence Restraining Order (if applicable)

Filing Instructions

How to File Your Application

Generate Your Form: Click the button below to create your Initiating Application (Form 4)
Review & Print: Carefully review the generated form and print it
Gather Documents: Collect all required supporting documents from the checklist
File at Court: Submit your application at the Family Court of Western Australia Registry
Address: Level 4, 150 Terrace Road, Perth WA 6000
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Pay Filing Fee:
Full fee: $365
Reduced fee: $120 (with eligible concession card)
Serve Documents: After filing, you must serve copies on the other parent
Attend Court: The court will schedule a directions hearing (first court date)

eCourts Portal (Optional)

You can also file electronically via the Commonwealth Courts Portal:

Go to eCourts Portal

You'll need to create an account and upload your completed forms and supporting documents.

What Happens Next?

1

Application Filed

Court issues your application and assigns a file number

2

Service on Respondent

You serve the application on the other parent (within 28 days)

3

Respondent Response

Other parent files a Response to your application (within 28 days)

4

First Court Date

Directions hearing to discuss case management and next steps

5

Proceedings

Possible mediation, case assessment, trial preparation

6

Resolution

Consent orders (if agreed) or trial and final orders