Bond and Cornel

In the matter of Bond and Cornel, Bell J of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia made orders concerning the living arrangements and communication between children and their parents. The dispute centred on the future care and welfare of the children, B and C.

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the children, the allocation of parental responsibility, the extent of the father's contact with the children, and the nature of communication between the father and the children, including at their educational institutions. The court also considered the role of the Independent Children's Lawyer and the provision of information regarding the children's health and educational progress.

Bell J ordered that the children live with the Mother and that she have sole responsibility for them. The Father was ordered to spend no time with the children, but was permitted to communicate with them by telephone once per fortnight, with the children having the discretion to engage in the call. The court further authorised schools to provide the Father with educational materials and information regarding the children's progress, and directed the Mother to inform the Father of any serious medical conditions affecting the children. The Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged.