Kingley and Simmons and Anor

The case of *Kingley and Simmons and Anor* involved a dispute concerning parenting orders for a child, C ARNDALE-KINGLEY. The proceedings were heard by Hogan J. The orders indicate that the father and the intervenors, Mr and Mrs Simmons, were parties to the dispute, alongside the child's mother, Mrs Simmons.

The court was required to determine the living arrangements for the child, the allocation of parental responsibility for long-term and day-to-day decisions, and the nature and extent of the child's time and communication with both the father and the intervenors. Additionally, the court addressed the father's compliance with a treatment plan for alcohol disorders and the role of an Independent Children's Lawyer.

Hogan J ordered that all previous parenting orders and plans be discharged. The child was to live with the father from a specified date, and the father was granted sole parental responsibility for all major long-term issues, subject to a process of consultation with the intervenors. Daily decisions were to be made by the party with whom the child was residing. The court also established a detailed schedule for the child's time with the intervenors, including specific weekend and holiday arrangements, and outlined communication protocols between the child and all parties. Crucially, the father was ordered to engage with a medical practitioner specialising in alcohol disorders, develop a relapse prevention plan, and undergo regular monitoring and testing, with the intervenors and the Independent Children's Lawyer to be kept informed of his progress.

The court further made orders restraining parties from discussing court proceedings in the presence of the child and from denigrating other parties or their families. Provisions were made for the exchange of contact details, information regarding the child's education and health, and for the Independent Children's Lawyer to be discharged after six months. The orders also included a fact sheet detailing the obligations and consequences of contravention.