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How do the current restrictions affect changeover?

How do the current restrictions affect changeover?

KEY TAKE-OUTS:

  • On Saturday 17 July 2021, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced further Restrictions for the Greater Sydney Region with a focus on the Local Government Areas of Liverpool, Fairfield and Canterbury-Bankstown.
  • Anyone who resides in the above three Local Government Areas is not permitted to leave their home unless they are an essential work or have a reasonable excuse.

On Saturday 17 July 2021, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced further restrictions that primary impact residents who live in Liverpool, Fairfield and Canterbury-Bankstown Local Government Areas.

So how do the updated restrictions impact your parenting you might ask?

If you are a separated parent, read below to find out your rights in relation to leaving your home to ensure your compliance with current Family Law Orders.

The amendments to the Public Health Order released on Saturday 17 July 2021, caused some uncertainty for a lot of residents who live in the Local Government areas of Liverpool, Fairfield and Canterbury-Bankstown.

Parents unsure if they can leave their homes to ensure their compliance with existing family law orders, workers unsure if their work is classified essential and in general it caused a lot of sadness amongst the communities.

The good news is, that any separated parent who resides in the above named local government areas, is still able to leave their home to ensure their compliance with Family Court orders – including for the purposes of attending changeover.

However, there are some additional rules that you need to bear in mind when you are leaving home for the purposes of attending a changeover. These include:

  1. You must carry a mask with you at all times – even if you don’t think you will be exiting your car.
  2. You must not have any other person in the car with you unless that person lives in your household with you.
  3. You must carry your driver’s licence with you and produce it to the police if you are requested.

You will also continue to have a reasonable excuse available to you if you need to leave the house for medical appointments, legal matters and domestic violence support.

You are not required to obtain a COVID test if you are leaving your Local Government Area to comply with your Family Law Orders, or for the above reasons.

We would advise that you also carry a copy of your current Family Law Orders with you so that you can produce them to the police if they stop you and ask you about your reasonable excuse for leaving.


ABOUT LUISA GAETANI:

Luisa Gaetani

Luisa is a Senior Associate at Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancer and head of our Family and Criminal Law divisions. Luisa has practised solely in the areas of criminal and family law. It is her sensitive yet pragmatic approach that has allowed her to develop a strong rapport and build trusting relationships with her clients. Should a client’s matter proceed to court, Luisa has the skillset and experience to assist her clients through this process and where required, will draw upon her network of barristers to further benefit her client’s outcomes.


For further information please don’t hesitate to contact:

Luisa Gaetani
Senior Associate
luisa@couttslegal.com.au
1300 268 887

Contact Criminal Lawyers Campbelltown today.

This blog is merely general and non-specific information on the subject matter and is not and should not be considered or relied on as legal advice. Coutts is not responsible for any cost, expense, loss or liability whatsoever to this blog, including all or any reliance on this blog or use or application of this blog by you.

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