Brandt and Meinerts

In the matter of Brandt and Meinerts, heard by Judge Betts, the dispute concerned parenting orders for four children. The orders made by the court addressed issues of parental responsibility, living arrangements, and time spent between the children and each parent.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the children in relation to their living arrangements and the extent of each parent's involvement in their lives. This included deciding on sole or shared parental responsibility for major long-term issues, the children's primary residence, and the nature and conditions of any time the children would spend with the Father. The court also considered the need for orders to protect the personal safety and well-being of the children, including restraints on parental conduct and exposure to certain individuals or behaviours.

Judge Betts applied the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), particularly section 68B, to make orders that were deemed to be in the best interests of the children. The court discharged all previous parenting orders and made new orders granting the Mother sole parental responsibility for major long-term issues and stipulating that the children live with her. The Father was granted no time with three of the children unless specific conditions were met, including undertaking grief counselling and parenting courses, and providing drug screens, with the Father bearing the costs. The court also imposed mutual restraints on denigrating the other parent, exposure to family violence, and substance use while the children are in care. Specific orders were made restraining the Mother from allowing contact with Mr A, and restraining the Father from removing the children from school or activities without consent. The court also directed that schools and GPs provide information to the Father at his expense and that the orders be forwarded to the Department of Communities and Justice (NSW). Each party was ordered to bear their own costs.