Drummond and Lion

This matter concerned parenting orders for two children, L and M, born in 2003 and 2005 respectively. The proceedings involved the children's mother, Ms Drummond, and their father, Mr Lion. The court was required to determine the parenting arrangements for L and M, including issues of parental responsibility, living arrangements, and time spent with each parent.

The court was asked to determine the legal issues surrounding the parental responsibility for L and M, and to make orders regarding their living arrangements and the time they would spend with each parent. The court also considered the role of the maternal and paternal grandmothers in the children's lives, and the potential impact of certain individuals on the children.

By consent of the parties, the court discharged all extant parenting orders. The court then made orders by determination that for a period until 30 June 2011, the maternal grandmother and the paternal grandmother would have equal shared parental responsibility for L and M. Following this date, the mother and father were to have equal shared parental responsibility. The court also ordered, by consent, that L and M live with the mother, and detailed specific arrangements for the father's time with the children, including during school terms and holidays, as well as provisions for communication, changeovers, and special occasions. Further orders addressed the children's schooling, health, and potential allegations of abuse, including the involvement of a Dr W and the Z Centre. The court also made orders restraining the changing of the children's residence from southern Tasmania without consent or court order, and requiring notice for interstate travel. Finally, the court dismissed an application for costs by the Independent Children's Lawyer and all other applications, with no order for costs. The Independent Children's Lawyer's appointment was extended to inform the children of the orders and to forward relevant documents to various parties.