Section 61CA — Family Law Act 1975 (Cth)

Consultation between parents on major long‑term issues

If it is safe to do so, and subject to any court orders, the parents of a child who is not yet 18 are encouraged:

(a) to consult each other about major long‑term issues in relation to the child; and

(b) in doing so, to have regard to the best interests of the child as the paramount consideration.

Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 May 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au. Verify the current text against the official source before relying on it.

Related sections

s 61A — What this Division does
s 61B — Meaning of parental responsibility
s 61C — Each parent has parental responsibility (subject to court orders)
s 61D — Parenting orders and parental responsibility
s 61DAA — Effect of parenting order that provides for joint decision‑making about major long‑term issues
s 61DAB — No need to consult on issues that are not major long‑term issues

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