Hathoway and Hathoway

This case involved an application concerning the parenting arrangements for three children. The primary dispute revolved around the mother's proposed relocation to the (omitted) region and the father's time with the children following this relocation. The matter was heard by Judge Altobelli.

The court was required to determine the extent of parental responsibility, whether the mother should be permitted to relocate the children, and the specific arrangements for the children spending time with each parent, including provisions for school holidays and special occasions. Further issues included the father's potential relocation and the specific conditions under which his time with the children would be facilitated or suspended, as well as communication protocols and injunctions to protect the children's welfare.

Judge Altobelli ordered that the parents have equal shared parental responsibility for the children. The mother was permitted to relocate the children to the (omitted) region and enrol them in a specified school or another agreed upon institution. The court then detailed extensive provisions for the children's time with the father, both in the event of the mother's relocation and if the father were to relocate to the (omitted) region. These provisions included specific arrangements for weekdays, weekends, school holidays, birthdays, and other special days, with a framework for agreement failing which specific schedules would apply. The orders also included provisions for communication between parents, attendance at children's events, access to school information, and notification of medical matters. Crucially, injunctions were imposed on both parents restraining them from abusing, denigrating, or exposing the children to domestic violence, and prohibiting physical discipline.