The s60CC framework (post-2024)
Section 60CC sets out how the court determines what is in a child’s best interests. The framework was substantially restructured by the Family Law Amendment Act 2023 (Cth), in force from 6 May 2024. The framework has three layers:Six general considerations (s60CC(2))
The court must consider:Mandatory family-violence-history consideration (s60CC(2A))
The court must also consider any history of family violence, abuse or neglect involving the child or a person caring for the child, and any family-violence order that applies or has applied to the child or a member of the child’s family.Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural connection
A standalone best-interests consideration of an ATSI child’s right to enjoy their culture, and the support each parent gives to that connection. See Key statutes — s60CC for precise statutory wording.What the analysis does
The platform reads each of your plan’s clauses and maps it to the s60CC considerations it most addresses. The output is a structured matrix:
Cells indicate the strength of the clause’s coverage of each consideration. Together, the matrix shows you whether your plan addresses each consideration somewhere, or leaves a consideration uncovered.
Common findings
A few patterns the analysis commonly surfaces:Strong on relationships, weak on capacity
Many plans focus heavily on time arrangements (clauses 2, 3, 5) but say little about each parent’s capacity to meet the children’s needs (clause 1, clause 6 schooling, clause 7 medical). The analysis flags this and suggests strengthening the capacity-relevant clauses.
Strong on safety, weak on cultural needs
For matters with FV disclosure, the safety overlay is often well-handled but cultural-needs (s60CC(2)(c) cultural component, ATSI consideration if applicable) can be under-addressed. The analysis surfaces gaps.
No coverage of children's views (s60CC(2)(b))
Many plans don’t address how children’s views are taken into account — particularly important for older children. The analysis suggests adding a clause or sub-clause.
Capacity claims without supporting evidence
Plans that assert capacity (“the parties can both provide for the children’s needs”) without supporting evidence in the Portfolio. The analysis flags for the Strategic briefing to consider.
How to use the analysis
The analysis is a structured second look at your plan. Three patterns:When the analysis is most useful
What the analysis will not do
- It will not predict outcomes. The court applies s60CC; the platform does not. Your plan can map well to s60CC and still fall down on factual contests.
- It will not assess whether the considerations support the orders you want. The analysis maps your plan to the framework; it doesn’t tell you whether your plan is the right plan for your matter.
- It will not replace lawyer review. A senior family-law solicitor reading the same plan will catch nuances the analysis doesn’t.
How the analysis updates
The analysis regenerates automatically when:- You edit any clause
- You change FV disclosure or ATSI status in your Master Case File
- The platform’s underlying s60CC reasoning is updated (rare; happens with material legislative or case-law shifts)
What’s next
Section 63C explained
The s63C framework + the May 2024 amendments + how parenting plans operate.
Key statutes — s60CC
The post-2024 six-considerations + s60CC(2A) FV-history + ATSI consideration.
Strategic briefing
Wider strategic synthesis that incorporates the best-interests analysis.
Plan readiness
Overall completeness scoring framework.