Cartwright and Cartwright

This case involved a dispute between the parents, referred to as the mother and father, concerning the upbringing and living arrangements of their two children, X and Y. The matter was heard by Judge Brown.

The court was required to determine issues relating to parental responsibility for various aspects of the children's lives, including their religious and cultural upbringing, education, health, and living arrangements. Specific orders were also sought regarding the time the children would spend with each parent, including during school holidays and significant religious periods. Further issues included the provision of psychological support for child X, communication protocols between the parents, and restrictions on their conduct towards each other and the children.

Judge Brown made orders that the mother would have exclusive parental responsibility for the children's health and most other issues, while both parents would share responsibility for decisions concerning the children's religious and cultural upbringing and education, as well as any changes in living arrangements that would significantly impact the children's time with the father. The children were ordered to live with the mother, with specific, detailed arrangements for the children to spend time with the father. The court also ordered the mother to seek psychological assessment and counselling for child X, with both parents to share the costs and follow the psychologist's recommendations. The orders included provisions for notification in emergencies, access to school reports, notification of address changes, and injunctions restraining the parents from removing the children from Australia, harassing each other, or physically disciplining the children. The appointment of an Independent Children's Lawyer was dismissed, and all applications were dismissed.