DENT & MOLINA and MOLINA & LAWRENCE

This case concerns parenting orders made by Judge Altobelli in relation to three children: X, Y, and Z. The proceedings involved the children's mother, Mr Lawrence (father of X), Mr Dent (father of Y and Z), and the mother of Y and Z. The dispute centred on the arrangements for parental responsibility, living arrangements, time spent between parents and children, and communication protocols.

The court was required to determine the terms of parenting orders that would best serve the welfare and interests of each child. This involved establishing principles for shared parental responsibility, defining living arrangements, specifying time spent arrangements between parents and children, and setting out detailed communication protocols and restraints to ensure the safety and well-being of the children. The orders also addressed the children's cultural identity and their engagement with counselling and educational opportunities.

The court applied principles of family law to establish orders for equal shared parental responsibility for each child, with specific provisions for living arrangements and time spent. For child X, the mother was ordered to have X live with her, with X to spend time with Mr Lawrence in accordance with X's wishes. For child Y, Mr Dent was ordered to have Y live with him, with specific time spent arrangements for the mother, subject to certain conditions, and time spent arrangements for Mr Lawrence. For child Z, Mr Dent was ordered to have Z live with him, with specific time spent arrangements for the mother, subject to certain conditions, and with provisions for Z to spend time with Mr Lawrence. Detailed communication protocols were established for all parties, including requirements for courtesy, timely responses, and information sharing regarding medical and educational matters. Restraints were imposed on each parent to prevent abusive behaviour, substance use, and contact with specified individuals, and to ensure adequate supervision of the children. Authorities were granted for parents to access school and medical information.