Hilder and Jessup

In the matter of Hilder and Jessup, Johnston J of the Family Court of Australia made parenting orders concerning the children B, C, and D. The dispute involved the arrangements for the children's lives and their relationship with their father.

The court was required to determine the terms of parenting orders, including issues of parental responsibility, the children's time and communication with the father, where the children would live, and arrangements for passports and overseas travel. The court also considered the need for injunctive restraints against the father.

Johnston J made orders by consent of the parties. The mother was granted sole parental responsibility for the children, with the exception of their names. Crucially, the children were ordered to spend no time and have no contact or communication with the father until they each reached the age of 18. The children were to live with the mother by consent. The mother was also permitted, by consent, to apply for passports for the children and to travel overseas with them without the father's consent. Furthermore, by consent, the father was restrained by injunction from various actions, including communicating with or contacting the mother or children, approaching their residences or places of education, and harassing or threatening them.