Martins and Denny

In *Martins and Denny*, heard by Judge Obradovic, the dispute concerned parenting orders for two children, Y and X. The father sought sole parental responsibility and orders for the children to live with him, while the mother sought orders for the children to spend time with her.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the children, specifically regarding the allocation of parental responsibility, the living arrangements for the children, and the nature and extent of the time the children would spend with each parent. The court also had to consider the communication arrangements between the parents and the children, and the need for injunctions to protect the children from certain influences and to ensure respectful communication between the parents.

Judge Obradovic discharged all prior parenting orders and made orders for the father to have sole parental responsibility for the children, with the children to live with him. Notwithstanding the father's sole responsibility, the mother was to be notified of major decisions and any serious illness or hospitalisation. The court detailed specific arrangements for the children to spend time with the mother, including weekend time and future arrangements, with provisions for changeovers and injunctions restricting the mother from taking the children to her residence until January 2020. Extensive orders were made regarding communication between the parents and children, including the use of video conferencing and telephone, and the exchange of contact details. Injunctions were also granted restraining both parents from allowing the children to come into contact with intoxicated individuals, and both parents were enjoined from making derogatory remarks about the other in the children's presence. The father was ordered to continue engaging with a program, and both parents were to notify each other of hospitalisation or medical attention for the children. The application for costs by the Independent Children’s Lawyer was dismissed.