Lorreck and Watts

This matter concerned parenting arrangements for two children, X and Y, with Ms Lorreck and Mr Watts as the parties. The proceedings were before Le Poer Trench J.

The court was required to determine a range of issues concerning the children's living arrangements, time spent with each parent, communication, and welfare. This included the allocation of parental responsibility, the children's residence, and the specific arrangements for contact with the mother, particularly during school holidays and terms. The court also had to consider the children's medical and educational needs, and the communication protocols between the parents regarding these aspects. Furthermore, the court addressed the emotional well-being of the children, including recommendations for therapy and the management of parental conflict.

Le Poer Trench J made orders that suspended existing parenting orders and granted the father, Mr Watts, sole parental responsibility for the children. The children were to live with the father, with specific provisions for the mother, Ms Lorreck, to spend time with them during school holidays and terms, subject to notice and conditions. The court also established communication protocols between the parents and the children, and mandated that the father provide the mother with detailed information regarding the children's welfare, including medical and educational matters. The court made recommendations regarding the children's wishes, parental conduct, and the mother's engagement in therapy. Directions were also given for an expedited final hearing, including the filing of detailed affidavits addressing various aspects of the proposed parenting arrangements, and a mediation was to be convened.

The court ordered that the final hearing of the parenting matters be expedited and listed for five days commencing 25 March 2019. Pending further order, all existing parenting orders were suspended. The father was granted sole parental responsibility, with the children to live with him. Specific arrangements were made for the children to spend time with the mother during school holidays and terms, with detailed provisions for notice, communication, and the facilitation of contact. The father was required to provide the mother with information regarding the children's welfare, including medical treatment and schooling. The court also made recommendations concerning the children's wishes, parental behaviour, and the engagement of therapy for both the mother and the children. The father was permitted to take the children on an overseas holiday trip between 8 October and 15 November 2018, with specific itinerary requirements. Directions were given for the filing of affidavits addressing detailed proposals for housing, schooling, supervision, health, extra-curricular activities, and overseas travel, and for a mediation to be convened.