Gipson and Gipson (No.2)

This matter concerned an application by the applicant and respondent regarding parenting orders for their two children, X (born 2004) and Y (born 2006). The proceedings were before Judge Jarrett.

The court was required to determine the terms of parenting orders, specifically addressing issues of parental responsibility, the children's living arrangements, and the time the children would spend with each parent. This included detailed provisions for communication, school holidays, special occasions, travel, and the exchange of passports. The court also considered orders relating to the children's welfare, including prohibitions on physical discipline and discussions about the proceedings in the children's presence, as well as provisions for information sharing between parents regarding the children's education and health.

Judge Jarrett made orders establishing equal shared parental responsibility for major long-term issues concerning the children. The children were ordered to live with the applicant. The court then set out detailed arrangements for the children to spend time and communicate with the respondent, encompassing alternate weekends, specific holiday periods including Christmas and birthdays, and provisions for school holidays. Further orders addressed the practicalities of changeovers, communication protocols, restrictions on enrolling children in activities that would interfere with the other parent's time, and measures to prevent harassment or denigration of either parent. The court also made specific provisions for international travel, including notice periods, passport handling, and limitations on travel destinations. The Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged.