LAWRENCE & STOUGHTON

Cleary J of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the parental responsibility and time spent with three children, B, C, and D, in a dispute between their mother and father. The proceedings involved applications by the parties, all of which were dismissed.

The court was required to determine the terms of parental responsibility, the living arrangements for the children, and the specific arrangements for the father to spend time with C and D. Additionally, the court considered an application regarding the children's names and the provision of information regarding family services and the consequences of contravening court orders.

Cleary J ordered that the mother have sole parental responsibility for the children and that they live with her. The father's time with C and D was significantly restricted and was to occur only in the presence of Ms E, the father's partner. Specific, detailed arrangements were set out for this supervised time, primarily linked to sporting events. The court also ordered that neither parent inflict corporal punishment on the children. Furthermore, the mother was permitted to change the name of B without reference to the father. The court also directed that information regarding family counselling and dispute resolution services be provided to the parties, along with particulars of obligations and consequences of contravening the orders.