Matthews and Matthews

In *Matthews and Matthews*, heard by Watts J, the court was required to make orders concerning the living arrangements and time spent with the children T, M, and K, as well as parental responsibility, following the breakdown of the parents' relationship. The proceedings also involved significant orders restraining a third party, Mr T, from contact with the mother and children.

The legal issues before the court included determining the primary residence of the children, establishing a schedule for the children to spend time with each parent, and defining the nature of their shared parental responsibility. Additionally, the court had to consider the impact of the mother's relationship with Mr T on the children and make orders to protect the children from potential harm or undue influence. The court was also tasked with facilitating improved communication and co-parenting between the parents, and ensuring the children received appropriate therapeutic support.

Watts J made detailed orders addressing various scenarios based on the mother's residential location relative to the father. These orders stipulated that the children would live with the father unless the mother moved within a 45-minute drive radius of his home, in which case a more shared arrangement would apply. The court also ordered that the mother's time with the children would be conditional on her ceasing contact with Mr T, and imposed significant restraints on Mr T's contact with both the mother and the children. Furthermore, the court mandated attendance at parenting programs and therapeutic interventions for both parents and the children to assist with adjustment and communication.