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  1. Care of Children

Overview

After a separation or change in family situation, it can be hard for parents, guardians and whānau to agree on a child’s care. This section provides information and resources to help you understand the options available for you, your child, and your whānau.

Not sure where to start?

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Making parenting arrangements

Agree on parenting arrangements Understand what you can do if everyone involved agrees on how your child should be cared for.
Can't agree on parenting arrangements Understand what you can do if everyone involved can’t agree on how your child should be cared for.

Guardianship

Being a guardian Understand what guardianship is and who can be a guardian.
Appoint a guardian Understand how to appoint someone as a child’s guardian.
Remove a guardian Understand how to remove someone as a child’s guardian.

Court orders

Change a court order Understand why you may want to change a court order and how to do it.
Enforce a court order Understand why you may want to enforce a court order and how to do it.
Cancel a court order Understand why you may want to cancel a court order and how to do it.
Receiving a notice of application Understand what a Notice of Application means and how to respond to it.
Understand supervised contact Understand what supervised contact is.

Stop or return a child to or from Aotearoa New Zealand

Stop a child leaving Aotearoa New Zealand Understand your options if you’re worried about someone taking a child overseas without your agreement.
Return a child to or from Aotearoa New Zealand Understand your options to have a child returned to Aotearoa New Zealand or if you’re asked to return a child overseas.

Help and services

General help and services for you and your whānau Find services to help you including court support, legal advice, and other general support organisations.
Resources Find resources to help you understand your options. Resources are available in accessible formats and translated into different languages.

Feeling Overwhelmed?

Going through a change in your whānau situation can be hard. It's normal to feel overwhelmed. There are services available to help and support you through this time.

Visit our help page
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