LOMOND & LOMOND

In the matter of LOMOND & LOMOND, Judge Jones made orders concerning the parenting of three children, X, Y, and Z. The dispute concerned the arrangements for the children's care, time spent with each parent, and communication.

The court was required to determine the appropriate orders for equal shared parental responsibility, the primary residence of the children, and the specific time the children would spend with the father. Additionally, the court needed to address provisions for communication, holiday arrangements, special occasions, and the exchange of information regarding the children's schooling and health. The court also considered orders to prevent denigration of either parent, the discussion of proceedings with the children, and the filing of future applications to vary the orders.

Judge Jones ordered the discharge of all previous parenting orders and established equal shared parental responsibility for the children, with their primary residence to be with the mother. The court detailed specific arrangements for the children's time with the father, including alternate weekends, half of school term and summer holidays, and specific arrangements for Father's Day and Christmas in even-numbered years. Provisions were also made for telephone communication and the exchange of school reports and medical information. Crucially, the court imposed restraints on both parents, prohibiting denigration, discussion of proceedings with the children, and the filing of applications to vary the orders without leave. The court also ordered the parents to enrol in child-inclusive counselling and stipulated that the orders were to be explained to the children by a family consultant.