Family report preparation and attendance checklist
A family report is one of the most influential pieces of evidence in parenting proceedings. The family consultant interviews each parent, observes interactions with the children, and provides recommendations to the court on parenting arrangements. Proper preparation can help a client present their position clearly without coaching.
This is a 12-step checklist for preparing a client to attend a family report assessment under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). It covers pre-assessment briefing, document preparation, and post-report strategy.
The checklist
Explain the family report process
Brief the client on the purpose of the family report, who the family consultant is, and that the report will be provided to the court and both parties.
Review the court orders for the report
Review the court order directing the family report to understand the specific questions the consultant has been asked to address.
Prepare a chronology
Prepare a clear chronology of the relationship, separation, parenting arrangements, and any significant events relevant to the children's welfare.
Gather supporting documents
Compile relevant documents the client may wish to bring — school reports, medical records, communication logs — without overwhelming the consultant.
Brief on best interests factors
Explain the best interests factors under section 60CC so the client understands what the court will consider when assessing the report.
Address family violence disclosure
If family violence is relevant, prepare the client to disclose this clearly and consistently. Advise on the obligation to raise any safety concerns with the consultant.
Discuss child-focused language
Coach the client on using child-focused language — what the children need rather than what the client wants — and on avoiding criticism of the other parent where possible.
Prepare for the child observation
If the consultant will observe the client with the children, advise the client to interact naturally and to bring age-appropriate activities for the children.
Address substance or mental health issues
If substance use or mental health is an issue, advise the client to be honest and to demonstrate the steps they have taken to address the issue.
Review proposed parenting arrangements
Ensure the client can articulate a practical and child-focused parenting proposal, including specific arrangements for school days, weekends, holidays, and changeover.
Review the completed family report
Once the report is received, review it with the client. Identify any factual errors and assess the strength of the recommendations.
Develop post-report strategy
Based on the report, advise on next steps — whether to negotiate on the basis of the recommendations, seek a further report, or prepare to cross-examine the family consultant at trial.
When this checklist applies
Use when a court has ordered a family report in parenting proceedings or when preparing for a child-inclusive conference.
Common pitfalls
- Coaching the client on what to say rather than preparing them to be honest
- Failing to disclose family violence when it is relevant to the children's safety
- The client focusing on grievances against the other parent instead of the children's needs
- Not reviewing the court order to understand the specific questions directed to the consultant
- Waiting until after the report to raise factual errors rather than providing documents upfront
Run this checklist on a real matter
Quillio can summarise the best interests factors, generate client-facing preparation guides, and help draft submissions responding to a family report. See /practice-areas/family or start a free trial.
General family law guidance only. Family report preparation should be conducted with qualified family law advice specific to the facts of the case.
Use this checklist on your matter.
Quillio can run this checklist on a specific NSW conveyancing matter — confirm each item, calculate adjustments, and generate the supporting documents. The free trial requires no credit card.
Start your free trial