Headman and Reagon (No 2)

This matter concerned an application before Baumann J in the Family Court of Australia, involving Ms Headman and Mr Reagon (and Mr Layne, who was also a party to the proceedings). The dispute centred on parenting arrangements for two children, V and U.

The court was required to determine the living arrangements for the children, the nature and extent of their contact with their mother, Ms Headman, and the conditions under which such contact should occur. Further issues included the method of communication between the children and their mother, and the conduct of the parties in relation to the children and the proceedings.

Baumann J ordered that the children, V and U, live with their respective fathers, Mr Layne and Mr Reagon. Contact between the children and their mother was to be on a supervised basis, with specific dates and times outlined, and changeovers to occur at a designated public venue. Supervision was to be provided by the maternal grandparents or another agreed-upon responsible adult, subject to approval by the Independent Children’s Lawyer. The court also made orders regarding telephone and video communication, prohibited the parties from discussing the proceedings or denigrating each other in the children's presence, and directed the filing of affidavits detailing the progress of the arrangements and proposals for future orders. The proceedings were adjourned for a case management hearing.