Hough and Knowles (No. 2)

In Hough and Knowles (No. 2), Strickland J of the Family Court of Australia considered parenting orders concerning three infant children. The dispute revolved around the arrangements for the children's time with and communication with their father, following an apparent separation of the parents.

The court was required to determine the specific terms of parenting orders that would best serve the interests of the children. This involved considering the primary considerations of the benefit to the children of a meaningful relationship with both parents and the need to protect them from harm. Additionally, the court had to weigh various additional considerations, including the children's views, the nature of their relationships with each parent, each parent's willingness and ability to facilitate a relationship with the other parent, the practicalities of time spent with each parent, and each parent's capacity to provide for the children's needs.

The orders made by consent addressed shared parental responsibility, with the children to live with the mother and spend time with the father on alternate weekends, during half of school holidays, and specific arrangements for Christmas and Easter periods. The orders also stipulated handover locations and times, with provisions for communication and notification of significant medical treatment. Notably, the eldest son's participation in time with the father was made subject to his wishes. The court also referenced sections 62B and 65DA(2) of the *Family Law Act 1975*, indicating that a fact sheet detailing the obligations and consequences of contravention would be attached to the orders. All applications were dismissed, and the case was removed from the active pending cases list.