BRICK & BRICK

Justice Stevenson considered a dispute between parents concerning parenting orders for their two children, B and C. The proceedings involved applications by both parents, with the father seeking orders for the children to spend time with him and the mother seeking orders for the children to live with her and for her to have sole parental responsibility.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the children in relation to their living arrangements, parental responsibility, and the nature and extent of the father's involvement in their lives. This included assessing the level of communication and decision-making that should occur between the parents, as well as the direct contact the father should have with the children.

Justice Stevenson reasoned that the existing parenting orders were no longer appropriate and that the children's best interests would be served by the mother having sole parental responsibility, subject to specific consultation requirements with the father on long-term issues. The court also made detailed orders regarding the children's living arrangements, the father's limited contact with the children, and the provision of information to the father by the mother and the children's schools and health professionals. The court emphasised the importance of the children's views and the role of the Independent Children's Lawyer.

The court ordered the discharge of all existing parenting orders and made new orders granting the mother sole parental responsibility and primary residence for the children, with specific provisions for the father's consultation on long-term decisions. Further orders regulated the father's communication and contact with the children, and mandated the exchange of essential information between the parties and relevant professionals. The court also directed the Independent Children's Lawyer to explain the orders to the children.