BINNS & BINNS

This matter concerned parenting orders made by Le Poer Trench J in relation to the children A and L. The dispute between the mother and father led to the court's intervention to establish arrangements for the children's care and time with each parent.

The court was required to determine the most appropriate parenting arrangements for the children, considering the principle of equal shared parental responsibility and the children's best interests. This involved deciding where the children would live, the extent of their time with each parent, and the specific details of contact and communication between the parents. The court also had to address the need for ongoing information sharing between the parents regarding the children's welfare and any potential impact of third parties on the children.

Le Poer Trench J applied the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), particularly concerning equal shared parental responsibility and the best interests of the child. The court discharged all previous parenting orders and made new orders establishing equal shared parental responsibility. The children were ordered to live with the father, with specific provisions for the children to spend time with the mother, including regular weekend contact, half of school holidays, and specific Christmas arrangements. The orders also mandated communication protocols between the parents regarding the children's health, education, and living arrangements, and included a requirement for mediation or counselling before any future court applications. The court also noted a recommendation for the mother to seek counselling regarding the impact of Mr S on the children.