Belgrove and Belgrove

The proceedings involved the Mother and Father of two children, X and Y, concerning parenting arrangements. The dispute centred on where the children would live and the time they would spend with each parent, as well as specific orders regarding discipline, travel, and communication between the parents. The matter was heard by Judge Altobelli.

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the children, the specific schedule for the Father's time with the children, including during school holidays and special occasions, and to make orders concerning the physical discipline of the children. Further issues included the father's travel with the children, restrictions on photographing or video-recording the children in relation to proceedings, and the parents' conduct and communication in the presence of the children. The court also needed to address the enrolment of the younger child, Y, in preschool.

Judge Altobelli made detailed orders regarding the children's living arrangements and time with each parent, to commence when X started school. These included provisions for the children to live with the Mother and spend significant time with the Father, with specific arrangements for weekends, school holidays, and alternating Christmas periods. The court also issued injunctions restraining the Mother from using physical force when disciplining the children and from permitting others to do so. Orders were made permitting the Father to travel with the children overseas for a limited period, and restraining both parents from speaking negatively about each other in the children's presence or discussing proceedings. The Mother was also directed to enrol Y in preschool and was restrained from changing that enrolment without consent. The court noted that the primary parenting orders would operate from the commencement of X's schooling, while other orders were immediately operative.