Ninsel and Ninsel

This matter concerned parenting orders made by Baumann J in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia regarding two children, X and Y. The dispute involved the arrangements for the children's living situation, time spent with each parent, communication, and other related matters, including the father's attendance at a domestic violence behaviour change program and restrictions on both parents' conduct.

The court was required to determine a comprehensive set of parenting orders addressing parental responsibility for major long-term issues and day-to-day care, the process for obtaining and holding passports, the children's living arrangements including a relocation to New Zealand, the specific times the children would spend with the father both before and after the relocation, and the procedures for changeovers. Further issues included the method and frequency of communication between the parents and the children, the exchange of medical and educational information, and various restraints on the parents' behaviour towards each other and the children.

In making its orders, the court applied the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) concerning parental responsibility and the best interests of the children. The orders reflect a detailed framework for shared parental responsibility on major issues, with the mother having primary care and the ability to relocate the children to New Zealand. Specific provisions were made for the father's time with the children, including detailed schedules for contact both before and after the relocation, and arrangements for communication and information sharing. The court also imposed specific behavioural requirements on the father, including attendance at a program, and placed mutual restraints on both parents to protect the children from inappropriate discussions and conduct.

The court made detailed parenting orders covering parental responsibility, passports, living arrangements, time spent with each parent, changeovers, communication, and miscellaneous provisions including attendance at a domestic violence program and various restraints on parental behaviour. The orders also authorised the school to provide information to both parents regarding the children's educational progress.