Bookhurst and Bookhurst

In the matter of *Bookhurst and Bookhurst*, Loughnan JR of the Federal Magistrates Court of Australia considered arrangements for the children of the marriage, specifically concerning their time with the father. The dispute centred on the practicalities of the children's living arrangements and contact with their father, as well as orders designed to protect the children from parental conflict.

The court was required to determine the specific terms of the children's time with the father, both during school terms and school holidays, and to make orders regarding parental conduct in the presence of the children. The court also had to consider the dismissal of the parties' respective applications filed in March and July 2007.

Loughnan JR applied the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) concerning the best interests of the children. The court made detailed orders for the children to spend time with the father on specified weekdays and Sundays during school terms, with an alternate weekend arrangement commencing on a particular date. During school holidays, the children were to spend time with the father from Sunday to Tuesday each week. Crucially, the court also made orders restraining both parties from denigrating the other parent in the presence of the children and from discussing the proceedings with or in the presence of the children.

The court ordered that the arrangements for time with the father and the restraining orders would remain in place until further order. The parties' applications filed in March and July 2007 were otherwise dismissed.