Section 65KFamily Law Act 1975 (Cth)

What happens when parenting order that deals with whom a child lives with does not make provision in relation to death of parent with whom child lives

(1) This section applies if:

(a) a parenting order is in force that provides that a child is to live with one of the child’s parents; and

(b) that parent dies; and

(c) the parenting order does not provide for what is to happen on that parent’s death.

(2) The surviving parent cannot require the child to live with him or her.

(3) The surviving parent, or another person (subject to section 65C), may apply for a parenting order that deals with the person or persons with whom the child is to live.

(4) In an application under subsection (3) by a person who does not, at the time of the application, have any parental responsibility for the child, any person who, at that time, has any parental responsibility for the child is entitled to be a party to the proceedings.

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.

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