Separation is hard for any family. When children are involved, one of the most important steps is setting up clear arrangements for their care. In Australia, this is often done through a parenting order. But what exactly is a parenting order, and how does it work?

If you’re separating and trying to sort out arrangements for your children, you might come across the term “Section 60I certificate.”

Put simply: A Section 60I certificate is a document that shows you’ve tried to sort out parenting arrangements through mediation before going to court.

If you’re getting a divorce (or thinking about it) the number one thing to understand is when you can apply, how long the process takes, and, importantly for many people, what time limits apply to property-matters after separation. This guide explains everything in plain language, with the real-life perspective of a family law firm in Newcastle (NSW) that works with everyday people just like you.