Bane and Thompson

Berman J made orders concerning the parenting of three children, B, C, and D, born in 2006 and 2008 respectively, in a dispute between their parents, Bane and Thompson. The court discharged all previous parenting orders and granted the mother sole parental responsibility for the children, ordering that they live with her.

The court was required to determine the specific arrangements for the children's living situation, parental responsibility, and time spent with each parent. Key issues included the extent of the father's future involvement in the children's lives, including communication, attendance at events, and holiday arrangements, as well as the protocols for information sharing regarding the children's health, education, and welfare. The court also addressed the manner of communication between the parents and restrictions on their conduct in the presence of the children.

In reaching its decision, the court applied principles relating to the best interests of the children, as is standard in Australian family law matters. The orders reflect a significant shift in the parenting arrangements, with the mother having primary responsibility and the father's time with the children being structured with specific conditions and limitations. The court also imposed restrictions on the parents' communication with each other and with the children, aiming to minimise conflict and protect the children from exposure to parental disputes. The father was granted specific, albeit limited, time with the children, including alternate weekends and holiday periods, with detailed provisions for handover and communication. The court also mandated the use of a communication book or agreed electronic communication for essential information sharing.