Highs and Lloyd

In the matter of Highs and Lloyd, Mullane J considered parenting orders concerning two children, B and C. The dispute centred on the living arrangements and time spent between the children and each of their parents.

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the children, whether they should have equal shared parental responsibility, and the specific arrangements for the children to spend time with each parent, including during school holidays and for communication purposes. The court also had to consider orders relating to the parties' conduct towards each other in the presence of the children and their access to information regarding the children's schooling and medical care.

Mullane J reasoned that discharging all prior parenting orders and establishing new arrangements was in the best interests of the children. The court ordered that the children were to live with the father and that both parents would have equal shared parental responsibility. Specific time arrangements were detailed for the mother during school holidays, with provisions for collection and return of the children. The court also made orders facilitating telephone communication between the children and each parent, and imposed restrictions on attending licensed premises except for dining. Further orders included provisions for the mother to obtain information from schools and medical practitioners, and a restraint on both parties denigrating each other in the children's presence.

The court ordered the discharge of all prior parenting orders. The children, B and C, were to live with the father, with parents having equal shared parental responsibility. Detailed orders were made regarding the children's time with the mother during school holidays, including specific dates and times for collection and return. Provisions were also made for telephone communication between the children and each parent, and for the mother to access the children's educational and medical information. Both parties were restrained from denigrating each other in the children's presence and from taking the children to licensed premises except for dining. All outstanding applications between the parties were dismissed.