Norton and Norton (No.2)

This case concerned parenting orders made by Judge Tonkin in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. The proceedings involved the mother and father of two children, X and Y, and the dispute centred on the arrangements for the children's living situation, parental responsibility, and time spent with each parent.

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the children, the allocation of parental responsibility, and the specific terms of the time the children would spend with each parent. Additionally, the court had to consider provisions for communication between parents regarding decisions affecting the children's welfare, including education and medical treatment, and to establish detailed arrangements for the children's time with each parent during school holidays, birthdays, and other significant periods.

Judge Tonkin ordered that the children live with the mother and that she have sole parental responsibility. However, this was qualified by detailed provisions requiring the mother to notify the father in writing of proposed decisions concerning the children's care, welfare, and development, and to give consideration to his views. The orders also stipulated specific arrangements for the father to receive information about the children's schooling and medical treatment, and for the children to spend time with the father on alternate weekends and during school holidays, with further specific provisions for holidays, birthdays, and changeovers. The court also made orders regarding the children's passports, a restriction on the father regarding one child's hair, and a requirement for mediation in the event of disputes over school changes or overseas travel.