Manning and Manning and Anor

This matter concerned an application before Jordan J regarding the living arrangements and parental responsibility for two children, T and M. The dispute involved the children's parents and their paternal grandmother, Ms Tenina.

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the children, who would hold parental responsibility, and the specific arrangements for the children's time with both their father and mother. Further issues included the nature and supervision of contact, communication protocols between the parties, and the exchange of information regarding the children's welfare and medical needs. The court also considered provisions for restraining denigration of parties and the discharge of the Independent Children's Lawyer.

By consent, the court ordered that the children, T and M, live with their paternal grandmother, Ms Tenina, who was granted sole parental responsibility. The father was to have supervised time with the children, with the frequency and duration to be agreed or, failing agreement, four hours per week supervised by the paternal grandmother, grandfather, or paternal aunt. The mother's time with the children was also to be supervised, with specific arrangements for fortnightly contact at a contact centre and on special occasions, supervised by the maternal aunt. The orders also detailed communication requirements, including the use of a communication book, and restrained parties from denigrating each other in front of the children. The Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged.