Lord and Anor and Mendes and Anor

In the matter of *Lord and Anor and Mendes and Anor*, heard before Judge Cassidy, the dispute concerned final parenting orders for four children. The orders sought to establish where the children would live, who would hold parental responsibility, and the nature of the father's contact with them.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the children in light of the evidence presented. Specifically, the court had to decide whether the children should live with the mother, whether the mother should exercise sole parental responsibility, and the extent of the father's contact with the children, including any exceptions or permissible forms of communication.

Judge Cassidy ordered that the children live with the mother and that she exercise sole parental responsibility. The father was granted no contact with the children, save for telephone contact, unless the mother agreed otherwise in writing. The father was permitted to send cards and gifts to the children. The Independent Children’s Lawyer was authorised to provide the reasons for judgment and the family report to the children’s counsellor.