Mickenburg and Coventry

This matter concerned parenting orders for two children, M and Y, born in 2001 and 2004 respectively. The dispute involved the father, Mickenburg, and the mother, Coventry, and was heard by Watt J.

The court was required to determine the arrangements for the children's living arrangements, parental responsibility for major decisions, and holiday time. Additionally, the court had to consider the mother's ability to travel with the children internationally, specifically to The Netherlands, including the necessary security and notification provisions to ensure their return to Australia.

Watt J ordered the discharge of all previous parenting orders and established equal shared parental responsibility for major decisions concerning the children's long-term care, welfare, and development. The court detailed specific living arrangements, with the children primarily residing with the father, including alternate weekends, mid-week time, and a division of school holidays and long summer vacations. The mother was granted permission to take the children to The Netherlands for up to 30 days annually, with specific provisions for notice, itinerary, return tickets, and a security deposit to ensure their return to Australia. The orders also included provisions for communication, school and health information sharing, and the consequences of contravening the orders.