Happell and Pedder

This matter concerned property and parenting disputes between Happell and Pedder, heard by Judge Neville. The court was required to determine objections to subpoenas issued on 19 July 2013 and to make final orders regarding the property and the parenting arrangements for the parties' four children.

The court was asked to consider the legal issues surrounding the admissibility of documents sought by subpoena and to make determinations on the future parental responsibility, living arrangements, and time spent between the children and each parent. Additionally, the court was to address communication protocols between the parents and the children, as well as information sharing regarding the children's schooling and medical care. Finally, the court was to consider injunctive relief to prevent abusive communications and social media postings related to the proceedings.

Judge Neville dismissed the objections to the subpoenas and granted leave for all parties to inspect and photocopy the documents produced. The court then made detailed parenting orders, discharging all previous orders. The Mother was granted sole parental responsibility for major long-term issues, while the Father was assigned responsibility for day-to-day issues when the children are in his care. The children were ordered to live with the Mother, with specific provisions for time spent with the Father, including alternate weekends, half of school holidays, Christmas Eve, Easter periods, and children's birthdays. The orders also established communication protocols, information sharing requirements regarding schooling and medical treatment, and mutual injunctions restraining abusive communications and social media postings. The property matter was adjourned for a final hearing.