Guardianship and what comes next

In Australia, if a parent dies, the surviving parent normally continues with parental responsibility. If both parents have died, the will may name a guardian — but this is a wish, not always automatic. Family Court can be involved if there is no clear arrangement. A family lawyer can help you understand the situation in your state or territory — and if cost is a barrier, Legal Aid and community legal centres give free family law advice everywhere in Australia, though ongoing help from Legal Aid depends on eligibility.

In the first months, most child grief specialists recommend keeping as much of life the same as possible — same house, same school, same bed, same routines. Big moves can wait until the worst of the shock has passed. There is no rush.

In whatever care arrangement forms, make space for the parent who has died. Photos in the house. Their birthday remembered. Stories told. The child is not “moving on” — they need both parents woven into the rest of their life.

Grandparents, aunts and uncles on the side of the parent who has died are often a profound source of support — and connection to the parent. Try to keep these relationships open, even when grief makes them hard.

• A child grief specialist (ask your GP for a referral, or search Grief Australia's directory of certified bereavement practitioners)
• A family lawyer for the legal questions
• A grief group for bereaved kids (Feel the Magic, local hospices)
• A counsellor for you — you can’t carry this alone