Gantley and Gantley

In the matter of *Gantley and Gantley*, heard by Bennett J, the dispute concerned parenting orders for four children. The wife sought sole parental responsibility and for the children to live with her, while the father's position regarding spending time with the children was unclear or absent.

The court was required to determine the appropriate parenting orders, specifically regarding parental responsibility, the children's residence, and the extent, if any, of the father's entitlement to spend time with or communicate with the children. The court also considered whether the father should be authorised to attend the children's school or remove them from school.

Bennett J ordered that the wife have sole parental responsibility for the children and that they live with her. Crucially, the court made it clear that there was no enforceable order entitling the father to spend time with or communicate with the children, nor was he authorised to attend their school or remove them from school. The independent children's lawyer was discharged. The court noted the mother's contention that a farewell or explanation from the father would cause more harm than benefit, a position supported by the independent children's lawyer. All other extant applications were dismissed.