Markham and Craven

In Markham and Craven, heard before Judge Newbrun, the dispute concerned parenting orders for two children, X and Y. The mother sought to relocate the children to Brisbane, while the father sought to maintain a significant role in their lives.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the children, specifically addressing issues of parental responsibility, the children's living arrangements, and the extent of time each parent would spend with them, including arrangements for relocation and communication. The court also considered the specific needs and wishes of child X.

The court ordered that both parents share equal parental responsibility for major long-term decisions concerning the children. The children were to live with the mother, who was permitted to relocate them to the Brisbane metropolitan area. Detailed arrangements were made for the child Y to spend time with the father in Sydney, including specific schedules for school terms and holidays, with provisions for the mother to cover flight costs for certain periods. The father was also granted limited additional time with Y in Brisbane, subject to notice. Provisions were also made for communication between the children and parents, and for the father to have time with child X in accordance with her wishes.