BACOTE & BACOTE

In the matter of *BACOTE & BACOTE*, Judge Burchardt considered a dispute between the parents regarding the living arrangements and time spent with their two children. The father sought a week-about arrangement, while the mother proposed that the children live with her and spend substantial and significant time with the father. The Independent Children’s Lawyer supported the mother’s proposal, and a Family Consultant recommended a gradual transition to a week-about arrangement.

The court was required to determine the most appropriate parenting orders for the children, considering the recommendations of the Independent Children’s Lawyer and the Family Consultant, and the proposals of each parent. The central issue was to establish a living arrangement that best served the children's welfare and best interests.

Judge Burchardt made orders reflecting a shared parental responsibility for the children. The children were ordered to live with the mother, with specific provisions for the father to spend time with them on alternate weeks, including specific arrangements for weekends, public holidays, and school holidays. The court also made orders regarding communication, changeovers, and the exchange of information concerning the children's health and education. Injunctions were granted restraining the parents from discussing the orders with the children or denigrating the other parent. The order appointing the Independent Children’s Lawyer was discharged.