Billings and Lyon

This matter concerned the parenting arrangements for three children, B, C, and D, before Hogan J. The dispute revolved around the living arrangements, parental responsibility, and time spent with each parent, as well as specific injunctions and communication protocols.

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the children, the allocation of parental responsibility for long-term decisions, and the specific times the children would spend with each parent. Additionally, the court had to consider an application to restrain the mother from allowing the children contact with a named individual, and to establish protocols for communication, information sharing, and the children's involvement in counselling.

Hogan J ordered that the children live with the father and that he have sole parental responsibility for major long-term issues, including education, religious and cultural upbringing, and health. The mother was restrained from allowing the children any contact with a specific individual. Detailed provisions were made for the children's time with the mother, including during school terms and holidays, with specific arrangements for birthdays and public holidays. The court also mandated communication protocols, including written consultation for major decisions, and prohibited denigration of either parent. Provisions were made for the children to attend counselling to understand the court orders, with the father to bear the costs. The Independent Children's Lawyer was to provide copies of the orders and reasons to specific government departments and the police, after which they would be discharged. All outstanding applications were dismissed.