Cooley and Black

In the matter of Cooley and Black, heard before Judge Wilson, the dispute concerned parenting orders for two children, X and Y. The orders reflect a resolution reached between the parties regarding the children's living arrangements, time spent with each parent, and specific conditions to be met by the father.

The court was required to determine the terms of parenting orders that would best serve the interests of the children. This involved establishing arrangements for equal shared parental responsibility, determining with whom the children would live, and outlining the time the children would spend with the father. Additionally, the court's orders addressed the father's personal circumstances, including his need for professional assistance for alcoholism and addictive personality disorder, and the requirement for suitable accommodation.

Judge Wilson made orders reflecting the parties' agreement. The children were to live with the mother and have equal shared parental responsibility. The father was to spend time with the children on a specific roster and communicate by telephone as agreed. Crucially, the father was ordered to seek professional help for his alcoholism and addictive personality disorder, secure suitable long-term accommodation, and refrain from consuming alcohol or drugs, and discussing the matrimonial dispute with the children during his care time. The father was also subject to supervised, random drug and alcohol testing at his own expense.