IDANOV & DUNSTABLE

In the matter of *Idanov & Dunstable*, Thornton J considered parenting orders concerning three children. The dispute involved the allocation of parental responsibility and the nature and extent of the children's time with each parent. The court was tasked with determining the best interests of the children in light of the circumstances presented.

The central legal issues before the court were: (1) whether to discharge existing parenting orders; (2) how to allocate sole parental responsibility for major long-term issues; (3) the extent to which the parents should consult each other regarding decisions affecting the children; (4) the arrangements for the children to spend time with the father; and (5) the ongoing role of the Independent Children's Lawyer.

Thornton J ordered the discharge of all previous parenting orders. The mother was granted sole parental responsibility for major long-term issues concerning the children, with specific provisions requiring her to consult the father in writing regarding proposed decisions and to consider his response before making a final decision. The children were ordered to live with the mother. Time spent with the father was to be supervised, limited in duration, and facilitated by an independent professional supervision service, with the father bearing the costs of this supervision. The court also made detailed orders regarding the ongoing communication and information sharing between the parents concerning the children's health, education, and general welfare. The appointment of the Independent Children's Lawyer was to be discharged after 30 days.