Millward and Millward

The case of *Millward and Millward* concerned parenting arrangements for three children, X, Y, and Z. The dispute involved the mother and father and was heard by Judge Brown. The court's orders addressed the living arrangements for the children, specifying that they were to live with the mother. The orders also detailed the time the children Y and Z would spend with the father, including specific days, times, and conditions related to school holidays and the father's work roster.

The court was required to determine the specific terms of the parenting orders, including the allocation of time between the parents, and to address issues of parental conduct and the children's welfare. This involved making orders regarding the children's residence, contact arrangements, and the conduct of the parents towards each other and in the presence of the children. Furthermore, the court needed to consider the need for professional assessments of the parents and the children, and the preparation of a family report to inform future decisions.

In reaching its decision, the court applied principles related to the best interests of the children, as enshrined in the *Family Law Act 1975*. The orders reflect a detailed consideration of the children's ages and needs, including specific provisions for speech therapy for child Y and a requirement for the father to complete a parenting program. The court also imposed injunctions restraining both parents from denigrating the other and from consuming alcohol while the children are in their care. To further inform its assessment, the court ordered psychiatric assessments of both parents and directed the preparation of a family report by a Regulation 7 practitioner, outlining the scope of that report to include interviews, observed interactions, children's views, and relevant legislative considerations.

The matter was ultimately listed for a final hearing before Judge Brown on 26 and 27 July 2017, with further trial directions to be considered on 14 December 2016.