LOWRY & CLEMENS

In the matter of *Lowry & Clemens*, heard by Thornton J, the dispute concerned the parental responsibility and living arrangements for three children, B, C, and D. The orders indicate a significant divergence between the parents regarding the children's welfare, with the father's involvement being severely restricted.

The central legal issues before the court were the determination of sole parental responsibility for the children, where the children should live, the extent of the father's time with the children, and the nature of any communication between the father and the children. The court was also required to consider injunctive relief concerning the father's communication methods.

Thornton J made orders granting the mother sole parental responsibility and stipulating that the children live with her. Crucially, the father was ordered to spend no time with the children, though limited communication by telephone (on speakerphone in the mother's presence) and by letter, card, or gift was permitted. An injunction was also imposed restraining the father from communicating with the children via social media. These orders were made with the consent of the Independent Children’s Lawyer, who noted the father's failure to undergo risk assessments, supervised time, or family reports, as well as his non-attendance at the final hearing.