Andrews and Collins

This matter concerned orders made by Benjamin J in the Family Court of Australia between Mr Andrews and Ms Collins, the parents of two children, C and D. The dispute involved parenting arrangements for the children.

The court was required to determine the specific parenting orders to be made, including arrangements for parental responsibility, the children's living arrangements, and the time each parent would spend with the children. The court also needed to address communication protocols between the parents, restrictions on denigration, and provisions for the children's health and education.

Benjamin J made orders by consent in accordance with a minute of order signed by the parties and the Independent Children’s Lawyer. These orders discharged all extant parenting orders and established equal shared parental responsibility for C and D. The mother agreed not to relocate her principal place of residence from Southern Tasmania, and C was to complete secondary school at a specified school unless otherwise agreed. The children were to live with the mother. Specific arrangements were made for D to spend time with the father in consultation with relevant authorities and for C to spend time with the father in accordance with his wishes. The orders also included provisions for gift-giving, communication, non-denigration, notification of illness or injury, attendance at school events, and access to school and health information. All extant applications were dismissed.