Lawson and Moloney

This matter concerned orders made by Judge Altobelli regarding the parental responsibility and living arrangements for two children, X and Y, and their parents, Ms Moloney and Mr Lawson. The dispute centred on how the parents would share responsibility for the children's upbringing and the practical arrangements for the children's time with each parent.

The court was required to determine the nature and extent of parental responsibility, including decision-making regarding the children's long-term welfare and day-to-day care. Further issues included the arrangements for the children to spend time with each parent, communication between the parents and with the children, and mechanisms for resolving future disputes. The court also considered orders relating to transportation and specific restrictions on contact with a third party.

The court ordered that the parents share equal parental responsibility for long-term decisions concerning the children's education, religious and cultural upbringing, health, names, and significant changes to living arrangements. However, in the event of disagreement on these long-term issues, the father was to make the final decision. Day-to-day decision-making was allocated to the parent with whom the children were residing at the time. The court also made detailed orders regarding the children's living arrangements with the father and the time they were to spend with the mother, including provisions for school holidays and specific days. Both parents were ordered to refrain from making derogatory remarks about each other in the presence of the children and to facilitate communication and information sharing regarding the children's welfare.

The court ordered that the children live with the father and detailed specific periods for the children to spend time with the mother, including alternate weekends and mid-week contact during school terms, as well as arrangements for school holidays and Christmas. The court also mandated that parents facilitate communication with the children and each other, and established processes for dispute resolution, including family dispute resolution. A specific order was made restricting the children's contact with Mr R during periods they were with the mother.