BENTLEIGH & MURDOCH

In the matter of *Bentleigh & Murdoch*, heard by Hannam J, the court considered interim parenting orders concerning two children. The dispute arose in circumstances where the mother had relinquished control of the children to the father, and there was limited evidence before the court regarding the family's overall situation. The central issues were with whom the children should live and spend time, and the allocation of parental responsibility.

The court was required to determine the interim living arrangements and parental responsibility for the children, C and B. This involved assessing the current family circumstances and making orders that would best serve the children's welfare pending further determination. The court also considered the ongoing involvement of the Department of Family and Community Services.

Hannam J made orders in terms of the Independent Children’s Lawyer’s Case Outline Document, with a specific amendment. The father was granted sole parental responsibility and the children were ordered to live with him. The orders also stipulated that the father would re-enrol the children at their school, and neither parent could alter this enrolment without a court order. Further provisions addressed supervised urinalysis testing for both parents, restrictions on denigrating the other parent, notification protocols for medical emergencies and school-related matters, communication methods between parents, prohibitions on substance use while caring for the children, and the prevention of physical discipline. The Department of Family and Community Services was invited to intervene due to the changed family circumstances. The children's time with the mother was to be determined at a future date, with liberty for the Independent Children’s Lawyer to restore the matter if difficulties arose. The matter was adjourned for directions.