Langmuir & Fields (No 2)

This matter concerned an application by Ms Langmuir (the applicant) to vary final orders made on 11 November 2014, in proceedings against Mr Fields (the respondent). The court was required to determine the terms of varied parenting orders and related ancillary orders concerning the parties' children.

The court was asked to consider variations to the existing final orders, specifically concerning the arrangements for changeovers between parents, additional time for the father with the children, and provisions for communication. Furthermore, the court was required to determine orders relating to the father's alcohol consumption, including hair follicle testing, the installation and use of an interlock device in his vehicle, and his engagement with alcohol treatment and psychological support. The court also considered the mother's engagement with psychological treatment and the provision of relevant reports to professionals involved with the family and to Child Protection.

In its determination, the court varied the final orders to specify new changeover locations and times, and to grant the father additional time with the children during school terms and holidays. Crucially, the court made orders for the father to undergo hair follicle testing for alcohol, to install and use an interlock device in his vehicle when transporting the children, and to engage with alcohol treatment and psychological counselling. The mother was also ordered to engage in individual psychological treatment. The court also directed that specific reports be provided to medical and allied health professionals and to Child Protection.