Harrick and Galea

This matter concerned an application by the mother and father for final parenting orders in relation to their two children, X and Y. The proceedings were heard by Judge Phipps in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia.

The court was required to determine the terms of final parenting orders, specifically addressing issues of parental responsibility, the children's living arrangements, and the time the children would spend with each parent. The court also considered provisions for communication between the parents regarding the children, arrangements for school holidays and birthdays, and the father's access to school-related information. Further issues included the location for changeovers and an injunction sought by the mother.

Judge Phipps made orders for equal shared parental responsibility for both children. The children were ordered to live with the mother, with specific provisions for the children to spend time and communicate with the father on alternate weekends, during school holidays, and on their birthdays. The court also made detailed arrangements for the children's time with each parent over Christmas on an alternating basis. Provisions were made for the suspension of the father's weekend time during school terms and summer holidays, and for changeovers to occur at a specified location. The court also ordered the parties to maintain a communication book and authorised the father to obtain copies of school-related documents and attend school activities. An injunction was granted restraining the mother from questioning the children about the father's behaviour or recording their statements about him. The order appointing an Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged.