VIC Custody of Child and Interstate Relocation - Mediation?

Hi there,

I'm very sorry that your question was left unanswered for so long, it must have slipped through the cracks. Have you since resolved your dispute with the father?

In case your matter has not been resolved, I'll try and answer some of your concerns:

A judge cannot tell you to return to Tasmania. However, because you have taken your daughter with you, the father can go to court for an order to recover his daughter from Melbourne. You are allowed to take your daughter interstate without the father's consent because you and the father have no legally binding custody agreement. However, it is always recommended that you get the father's consent first, because if the father refuses and wants to recover his child, he can apply to court for a recovery order. If the father receives a recovery order for the child, you must comply with the order and return your daughter to Tasmania according to the recovery order.

How did this go? Did you and the father find a mediator?

If you're still looking for a mediator, a good place to contact is Relationships Australia. There are also free women's services available that may help you, you can try Women's Legal Service Victoria. The Australian Government also has some great resources for family relationship advice.

Apologies for the delay and please let us know how it turned out.