Matthews and Matthews

In *Matthews and Matthews*, Mushin J made consent orders concerning the parenting of two children, R and G. The dispute concerned the future parenting arrangements for these children following the breakdown of the parents' relationship.

The court was required to determine the terms of new parenting orders that would govern the children's lives, including issues of parental responsibility, living arrangements, time spent with the non-resident parent, communication, and specific prohibitions and obligations placed upon both parents.

Mushin J's reasoning was based on the consent of the parties, as evidenced by the orders made. The orders reflect a determination that the wife would have sole parental responsibility and that the children would live with her. The husband's time with the children was to be determined by their wishes, with the wife facilitating such time and communication. The orders also imposed specific restrictions on the husband regarding alcohol consumption and contact with certain individuals, and on both parents concerning discipline, violence, and denigration of each other. The court also mandated the husband's access to school reports and notification of serious illness, and included standard provisions regarding the consequences of contravening the orders.

By consent, the court discharged all previous parenting orders. The wife was granted sole parental responsibility, and the children were ordered to live with her. The children were to spend time and communicate with the husband in accordance with their wishes, with the wife facilitating this. The husband was permitted to send gifts and letters, and was to receive school reports and be notified of serious illness. Both parents were restrained from verbal or physical discipline, violence, and denigrating each other in the children's presence. The husband was also restrained from allowing the children contact with specific individuals and was prohibited from consuming alcohol for 24 hours prior to and during time spent with the children. All other applications were dismissed.