Girst and Girst

This case concerned parenting orders made by Johnston J in relation to two children, M Girst and R Girst. The dispute involved the father and mother of the children, who were referred to as such for convenience. The court discharged all previous parenting orders and made new orders concerning parental responsibility, the children's living arrangements, and their time spent with each parent.

The legal issues before the court included determining the appropriate parenting orders for the children, specifically regarding equal shared parental responsibility, where the children would live, and the specific arrangements for the children to spend time with their father. The court also had to address communication protocols between the parents, medical information sharing, school-related matters, and restrictions on the father's conduct, such as alcohol consumption and internet posting. Furthermore, the court was required to make property orders dividing the parties' assets and liabilities.

Johnston J's reasoning led to orders establishing equal shared parental responsibility, with the children to live with their mother. The father was granted specific time with the children, including mid-week contact, alternate weekends, and extended periods during school holidays, with detailed provisions for changeovers and communication. The court also imposed specific conditions on the father regarding supervision and the introduction of new partners. In relation to property, the husband was ordered to pay a sum of money to the wife, and specific arrangements were made for the transfer of a motor vehicle and the sale of a property known as the H Street property, with the proceeds to be distributed according to a defined order. The court also made orders regarding the parties' respective ownership of personal property, financial accounts, and insurance policies, and each party was to indemnify the other for liabilities in their sole name.