Millhouse and Husserl

This matter concerned parenting orders made by Hannam J in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The dispute involved the mother and father of two children, B and C, born in 2011 and 2012 respectively. The court was required to determine the arrangements for the children's parental responsibility, living arrangements, time spent with each parent, and communication between the parents.

The court was required to determine the primary caregiver for the children, where the children would live, and the specific time each parent would spend with them, including during school holidays and special occasions. Further issues included provisions for communication between the parents and the children, notification requirements regarding the children's health and education, and specific restraints on the parents' conduct. The court also needed to address the children's contact with a third party, Mr F.

Hannam J ordered that the mother have sole parental responsibility for the children and that they live with her. The father was granted time with the children on alternative weekends and at other times as agreed. Detailed provisions were made for the division of school holidays and special occasions, including Christmas and Mother's Day/Father's Day, with specific times and dates outlined. The orders also established protocols for changeovers, telephone and electronic communication, and general communication and notification between the parents regarding the children's schooling and health. Crucially, the court imposed restraints on both parents, prohibiting derogatory remarks about the other parent in the children's presence, physical discipline, exposing the children to domestic violence, discussing proceedings with the children, and certain behaviours related to drug and alcohol consumption and child restraints. Furthermore, both parents were restrained from allowing the children to come into contact with Mr F. The court also mandated mediation as the first step in resolving future disputes.