Heath and Heath

The case of Heath and Heath concerned parenting orders made by Bell J in relation to two children, B and Z. The dispute revolved around the arrangements for the children's living arrangements, communication, school attendance, medical care, and participation in extracurricular activities.

The court was required to determine the specific terms of the parenting orders, including the allocation of parental responsibility, the schedule for the children living with each parent, provisions for school holidays and special occasions, communication protocols between parents and children, and arrangements for medical and educational information sharing. The court also needed to address the consequences of contravening these orders and the discharge of previous orders and the Independent Children's Lawyer.

Bell J made orders for joint parental responsibility and established a detailed schedule for the children to live with each parent on an alternating weekly basis, with specific provisions for school holidays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and birthdays. The orders also stipulated that handovers would generally occur at the children's school, with alternative arrangements for other times. Furthermore, the court imposed restrictions on seeking external counselling without consent or court order, mandated written notification of medical appointments and emergencies, and authorised both parents to obtain information regarding the children's health and schooling. The orders also included provisions for communication between parents and children, responsibility for extracurricular activities, and the requirement for both parents to complete a Triple P parenting course.