LUKIS & HANLON

This matter concerned parenting orders made by Judge Lapthorn in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The dispute involved the mother and father regarding the care arrangements for their two children, born in 2009.

The court was required to determine the specific orders concerning parental responsibility, the children's living arrangements, and the time the children would spend with each parent. This included detailed provisions for weekend time, school holiday periods, communication between parents and children, changeover arrangements, and the exchange of information regarding the children's welfare and development. The court also needed to address the process for resolving future disputes and the discharge of the Independent Children's Lawyer.

Judge Lapthorn ordered the discharge of all previous parenting orders. The mother was granted sole parental responsibility, with the father to be kept informed of decisions regarding the children's long-term care, welfare, and development. The children were ordered to live with the mother, with specific provisions for the father to spend time with them, including detailed arrangements for weekends and school holidays that varied depending on the children's age. The orders also established communication protocols, outlined responsibilities for travel costs and arrangements during changeovers, and mandated information sharing between the parents regarding the children's health, education, and activities. A dispute resolution process involving family dispute resolution practitioners was also stipulated.