Slow Down, Move Over and Give Space...

Mobile phone use is so integrated into our lives. We may not even realise how often we’re using them. It can be tempting to use our phones while driving to listen to music, scroll social media, text and talk to each other. However, touching a mobile phone while driving is illegal. Driving is a complex task. Anything that distracts you by taking your mind or eyes off the road, or your hands off the wheel, not only compromises your safety, but puts everyone else on the road at high risk. Being distracted increases your chances of having a crash. It slows down your reaction times and puts you in danger of failing to see hazards such as traffic lights, stop signs or other road users. Make sure you know the rules about mobile use while driving. For more information visit https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/mobilephones/know-the-rules.html The better option is to pull over in a safe place if you need to use your mobile phone. Otherwise, the next best thing is to use handsfree options, such as a cradle or Bluetooth linked to your car. If you have been caught using your phone or caught by a mobile phone detection camera and need legal help, contact our friendly team on 02 6542 5566 . Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. This newsletter is intended to provide general information. You should obtain professional advice before you undertake any course of action.

For most of us, Christmas is a time to see family and friends, swap presents and stories and enjoy each other’s company. Christmas holidays can be a time of mixed emotions, particularly for families experiencing divorce or separation. The holidays can bring stress and conflict and be challenging for both parents and children as they adjust to a changing family dynamic. DO’s Communicate with the other parent for spending time with the children over the Christmas period and school holidays. Follow the terms of any Parenting Plan or Consent Order. Consider alternating Christmas Eve/Christmas Day so that each parent has an opportunity to have either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day with the children. Allow the children to video call or speak to the parent they are not spending time with to share in their excitement. Arrange a Family Dispute Resolution Conference (Mediation) with the other parent if you have not been able to reach any agreement or if you want to change the current parenting arrangements. Arrange to formalise any custody and access arrangements by way of a Parenting Plan or Parenting Order. Get Family Law legal advice if you are contemplating separating or have separated. Follow the terms of any Domestic Violence Protection Order. If you breach the terms of a Protection Order this is a criminal offence. Ask your children what they would like to do. Give them input and some control over the process. DON'Ts Don’t commit to events involving the children’s attendance such as holiday camps holidays away or overseas until discussing this with the other parent. Don’t take your children overseas without the written agreement of the other parent if you have a Parenting Order in place which doesn’t allow for such travel or if an Application for a Parenting Order has been filed in the Court. Don’t change your plans at the last minute. If you and your former partner have agreed on a plan, only change it if you both agree. Don’t run out of time. If you have a time limit approaching for property settlement or maintenance matters file court proceedings within the time limit. Don’t commit any acts of family or domestic violence including against your partner or children and do not expose your children to domestic violence. Don’t denigrate the other parent in the presence or hearing of the children. Don’t relocate the children’s residence without the consent in writing of the other parent or without a court order. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. This newsletter is intended to provide general information. You should obtain professional advice before you undertake any course of action.