Chandler and Wurt

In the matter of *Chandler and Wurt*, Forrest J of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia made orders concerning the parenting arrangements for two children, B and C. The dispute centred on the living arrangements and time spent between the children and each of their parents.

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the children, the specific time each parent would spend with them, and the conditions and communication protocols governing these arrangements. Additionally, the court had to consider and make orders regarding parental responsibility, information exchange, and professional referrals for drug and alcohol testing.

Forrest J ordered that the children live with their father at the paternal grandparents' home in Sydney. The mother was granted time with the children on every third weekend during school terms, and for specific periods during school holidays in both New South Wales and Queensland. The orders detailed the logistics of these arrangements, including travel, notification requirements, and financial contributions. The court also stipulated communication protocols, including daily telephone contact and restrictions on discussing the proceedings with the children. Furthermore, the mother was prohibited from consuming alcohol or illicit drugs while the children were in her care and was ordered to ensure the children did not come into contact with a specific individual, Mr E. Both parents were required to undergo random supervised drug and alcohol testing, with the father also subject to ongoing hair analysis. The court affirmed equal shared parental responsibility for both parents.