DICKSON & SALLER

This matter concerned interim parenting orders made by Hogan J by consent between the parties, Dickson and Saller, regarding their three children, B, C, and D. The orders addressed parental responsibility, living arrangements, communication, and specific therapeutic interventions for the children.

The court was required to determine the terms of interim parenting orders that would govern the children's lives pending further order. Key issues included the allocation of parental responsibility, the children's living arrangements during school terms and holidays, provisions for communication between the children and each parent, and the process for engaging professionals for therapeutic and psychological support for the children, particularly in relation to B's treatment plan and the appointment of a psychiatrist and psychologist for C.

The court, by consent of the parties, made detailed orders reflecting a shared approach to parental responsibility, requiring consultation and genuine effort to reach joint decisions on major long-term issues such as education, religion, health, and therapeutic interventions. Specific living arrangements were set out, with the children C and D to live with the father during school terms on an alternating weekly basis, and with the mother at all other times. The orders also included provisions for communication, school and medical information sharing, and a framework for the appointment of professionals for therapeutic support, including a mechanism for dispute resolution should the parties fail to agree. The court also included standard provisions regarding contravention of the orders and the provision of a fact sheet.